alternate route around Memphis going east/west??

Memphis alone...I don't understand the issue. Pick a good time, mid-day, and relax. As far as West Memphis going west has always been major truck traffic. If I-40 bothers you that much US-70 to Little Rock is an easy route. At least at North Little Rock/I-440 the truck traffic will lighten. Have traveled all the major cities many times over and never considered Memphis a area of concern.

FWIW - We just came thru Memphis last week, heading east. Other than the construction on I-40 from the I-55 interchange to the east side of the river, there were no challenges, no heavy traffic (on a Wednesday morning), no problems at all. Just avoid rush hour.

al

Which highway are you taking into Memphis ? I am assuming either US 78(Tupelo) or US 72 (Corinth), but don't know.

Two major construction projects currently, east Memphis as I-40/240 junction, 3-4 year project (2 additional levels of flyover, and bridge replacement). This one shouldn't affect you UNLESS you are coming into Memphis on I-40, or possibly US 64.

West Memphis is site of major payment rebuild in a 4-5 mile segment that I-40/I-55 share. Single lane each direction. Travel can back up a couple of miles at times, most of the time it moves well, about 40-45 mph. Approx I-40 mile markers (including lane closures before and after) are mm 281 on the east end and mm 274 on the west end.

If you enter Memphis on 72 or 78, follow the 240 loop around the south side of town, cross the Miss River on the I-55 bridge. Check local am radio traffic report (watch for sign, maybe 1600-1700 am). If traffic backs up, one option is to take US 70/79 thru West Memphis (Broadway). It is all 4 lane, maybe 5-6 traffic lights. Pick up I-40 at exit 271 (AR Hwy 147).

Have a good trip.

Cross at the Helena AR bridge?

To clarify, our normal route would be US72 to Collierville, then 385 into I-240, then I-55, then I-40.

Option I am considering is exit US72 just before Collierville on to MS309 to Olive Branch, then short section of I-55 to 69 down to 49 at Helenda to cross the creek and continuing on 49 back up to I-40 at Brinkley, AR. This adds 40 miles to the original 370 mile trip to our first overnight stop in Morrilton, AR.

We leave home Sunday 5/25 which would put us on I-240 about 12-1PM next Sunday, but it is the day before Memorial Day.

I've been thru the Memphis to Forest city stretch of I-40 4 times in the last 5 years (solo) but never without having to sit still on I-40 for a couple of hours every time and regardless of direction. Arkansas DOT website now advising all traffic get off I-40 about MM 270 and not get back on until about MM 216 to avoid 8 miles of road work east of Forest city (both directions). That's a 50 mile detour that Arkansas is recommending thru summer 2014.

Need to add that I'm still a newbie at 13 months of ownership and not yet comfortable dealing with an 8-lane interstate and trying to change lanes at the last minute with something 52 feet long. We traveled 1500 miles last year but mostly non-interstates and the biggest challenge being Chattanooga (a story for another time).

I appreciate the comfort level and experience of those that have been RV'ing a long time, but I'm not quite there yet.

If I was willing to drive the extra 40 miles to avoid Memphis, are there any hidden traps in this alternate route to the south? Or a better path to Helena?

Since you're coming from Corinth, I (with assistance from MapQuest) recommend taking Ms 302 before you get to Collierville. It will take you to US 61. Four lane, some parts divided highway.

You are correct - 302 it is. 302 and 309 seem to be interchangeable on the on-line map services, but on a paper map (gasp!) 302 is the due-west 4 lane. We're on the same page.

I just did a Shoals-Memphis-Shoals turnaround yesterday.

Just go into Collierville to I-240 West via the Bill Morris Parkway. It'll take you to the south end of downtown and the old Hanrahan Bridge over Old Man River.

Going through West Helena is not the best way to go--very slow traveling.

I used to travel Eastern AR 1000 miles a week on business. Just try to stay awake, as that 135 mile trip Memphis to Little Rock is one of the dullest drives in the U.S. Nothing but rice fields--except for Forrest City.

Helena route looks like 4 lane thru rural areas. What am I misding bamaman??

I would take US45 to Jackson, TN then US412 to Dyersburg, TN then I155/US412 to Kennett, MO stay on 412 to Walnut Ridge, AR then pickup US62 South to Beebe, AR then US64 to Conway, AR then get on I40 West. Here is a link to Arkansas High Dept. Road construction I40 West from Memphis has some construction down to 1 lane and the have lots of accidents that bring traffic to a total stop. The way I said to go is the way all the oversize loads go because of the construction on I40 between Memphis and Little Rock. http://www.idrivearkansas.com/#traffic These are good roads and not a lot of traffic.