Forum Discussion

mikemc53's avatar
mikemc53
Explorer II
May 09, 2022

Memphis Crossing

Two seemingly viable options to cross the Mississippi at Memphis, for me. Coming from Southaven, MS and heading to Springfield, MO. The options being I-40 bridge and I-55 bridge. Is one better than the other? It will likely be on a Monday around 11 in the morning.

Thoughts?
  • Coming from the south, IH-55. There’s no reason to go thru town to catch IH-40.

    I’ll assume you’re familiar, but for others who aren’t, the turn onto the bridge access is a cloverleaf. It’s tight & slow. One wants to use the center lane on the approach as both it and the right lane make the curve. (Speed limit signs are not advisories). This ANCIENT stretch of roadway is not like many places left, now).

    Need to be aware of potential traffic problems. Memphis can snarl in a hurry.

    This is the way I look at it as a truck driver.


    You can also cross to the south at Greenville, MS, as well as farther north at Dyersburg, TN.
  • We've been using the 55 bridge for the last 5 years both spring and fall. We winter in Louisiana after mother daughter time in Chicago burbs and the reverse in the spring. We then do a volunteer job somewhere in cooler climes up North.
  • I-40. We make the trip from IL to NOLA 2-3 times a year. I-40 is a lot better for traffic and road conditions.