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?
