Arkansas – The Mississippi River has long served as both a boundary and a meeting place, a ribbon of water that has connected commerce, culture, and communities across the South. Now, with a new chapter on the horizon, two states are giving their shared landmark a name meant to capture the weight of that history. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) have officially announced that the replacement for the aging I-55 Bridge between West Memphis, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee, will carry the name Kings’ Crossing.
The new name is more than ceremonial. It binds together three towering legacies—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., B.B. King, and Elvis Presley—men who in different ways shaped the character of Memphis and the region beyond. Dr. King advanced justice and civil rights; B.B. King’s blues carried the sound of the Delta across the globe; and Elvis, dubbed the King of Rock and Roll, introduced Memphis’s music to international stages.
“It’s only fitting to name this vital crossing after three historic figures from this region,” said ARDOT Director Jared Wiley. “We’re grateful for the partnership and collaboration with TDOT on this project. It truly is the result of a regional effort that will benefit industry across this national corridor and the thousands of individuals who depend on this connection each day.”
“Kings’ Crossing is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it is a symbol of our collective history, heritage, and the enduring spirit of unity that defines this region,” added TDOT Commissioner Will Reid. “Naming this bridge in honor of these gentlemen pays tribute to their extraordinary legacies – individuals who transcended barriers, fostered cultural exchange, and used their talents to build bridges between people.”
The choice of name follows a year of historic investment. In July 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded nearly $400 million to Arkansas and Tennessee to cover half the cost of replacing the current 75-year-old bridge. The grant, part of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, represents the single-largest transportation investment in the history of both states. Each state has also pledged up to $200 million to the project, signaling a rare level of regional cooperation.
The new Kings’ Crossing Bridge will not simply mirror the old structure—it will be built for the future. Planners are designing a wider span capable of handling greater traffic volumes while improving safety and ensuring resilience against earthquakes. Located on the New Madrid fault line, the bridge must meet rigorous seismic standards. Engineers are also emphasizing durability to reduce long-term maintenance costs and keep one of the nation’s busiest trade corridors moving without interruption.
The timeline is ambitious but carefully staged. Environmental reviews are nearing completion, while design work is already underway. Right-of-Way coordination is expected to begin later this year. Construction is projected to start in fiscal year 2026, using the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) method. This approach, often reserved for complex infrastructure projects, allows agencies to align budgets, technical needs, and project delivery from the earliest stages.
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The bridge itself is not just about connecting Arkansas and Tennessee—it is part of the broader flow of interstate commerce. As one of the critical river crossings for freight and travelers alike, the I-55 corridor moves goods from coast to coast. Officials estimate that tens of thousands of vehicles use the route daily, with significant portions of that traffic tied directly to the nation’s shipping and logistics industries.
Yet amid the technical details and financial milestones, the decision to name the structure Kings’ Crossing is what many residents are celebrating most. For Memphis and West Memphis alike, the bridge will stand not only as steel and concrete but also as a reminder of the cultural and social giants who once walked their streets, played in their clubs, and preached from their pulpits.
By honoring three men who reshaped the American story in distinct yet interconnected ways, the new bridge carries more than cars and trucks across the Mississippi. It carries history, pride, and a promise that infrastructure can symbolize far more than its practical use.
For additional details on the project, TDOT has provided updates on its official website.
