Traffic on I 55 south

I-55 in Arkansas is a miserable mess. It beats you to death towing and RV.

Oops, one more thing.....when you're in the area close to Memphis, you may see signs that will indicate Jackson is east of Memphis. That is Jackson, TN not MS. Make sure you're heading south toward the MS one.

If making good time is not the object take an hour to see the art museum at the turn off for Rend Lake. Contemporary artists that are above a high bar. This would be easier if using 57 which may not be a bad choice going south unless you have points of interest around STL.

The construction in the Memphis area has been ongoing since 1989....no, I'm not kidding and it's a PITA. I-40 and I-55 come together there so plan for lots of zig zags and stop and go. The last time I was south of Memphis there was construction for about 10 miles or so - hope they've finished that up. Also, some construction around Greenwood, MS...just a heads up. It should be done.

When we last came through Chi, DH set the GPS to avoid toll roads and it was a snap! Not only the cash outlay, but they charge more for towed vehicles. And the toll booths are none to wide. I honestly believe we made as good time or better, saved a bunch of $ and had a lot less stress staying off the toll roads. The alternate roads were good, traffic was not bad at all and "Scarlett", the GPS did a fine job. Enjoy your trip.

Once you reach Memphis, do NOT take the I-55 bridge across into Arkansas. Rather continue straight and I-55 literally turns into Front St. Go onwards down the hill and about 3 miles ahead you will see the Tennessee Welcome Center. You should have lots of room to park your RV and plz plan on spending at least some time in Memphis as there is lots to see and do...not to mention some of the best BBQ in my opinion.

Have a safe trip!

Once you've had your fill, cross the I-40 bridge and you'll be reconnected back with I-55.

DCS7 wrote:
We've been that way a couple of times and traffic isn't too bad. Keep your eyes open around memphis...lots of turns and twists. I'd definitely go this way again.

West Memphis can be bad traffic wise as 40 (major east/west route) and 55 run the same for a few miles, one need to watch for the signs for 55 south or Jackson, Ms. also the same in Memphis as the turn for 55 south/Jackson can slip up on you if not watching.

At Jackson I would take 220 around Jackson to 20 west a short distance to 55 south.

BTW: 55 not to bad between Memphis to just north of Jackson IMO.

We've been that way a couple of times and traffic isn't too bad. Keep your eyes open around memphis...lots of turns and twists. I'd definitely go this way again.

Lightly traveled but rough in sections.

My one experience on I-55 from Jackson, MS to Hammond, LA was not bad from a traffic standpoint until you get to the I-10 interchange. Be prepared for a real bouncy ride through MS south of Jackson, unless the road has been resurfaced. The roadway for the majority of the route through MS was concrete and those expansion joints between slabs were murder.