Crittenden County, Arkansas – In a significant development for the future of infrastructure, Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. has been selected as the Construction Manager-General Contractor (CM-GC) for the replacement of the Interstate 55 (I-55) Bridge over the Mississippi River. The project marks a crucial step in improving transportation safety and efficiency between Arkansas and Tennessee.
This announcement follows the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision in July 2024 to allocate $394 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program to help cover the costs associated with the bridge replacement. The RAISE grant, known for supporting significant infrastructure projects, will be pivotal in transforming the aging I-55 Bridge into a modern structure capable of handling growing traffic demands.
Alongside the federal contribution, both the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) have stepped up with substantial financial commitments, each contributing up to $200 million for the project. This collaboration between state and federal agencies demonstrates a strong united effort to address the infrastructure needs of the region.
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“The new bridge will allow for more capacity while enhancing safety and mobility for all motorists, commercial and passenger,” said ARDOT Director Jared D. Wiley. “This signals another big step in the effort to replace the aging Interstate 55 Bridge connecting Arkansas and Tennessee.” The importance of this project cannot be overstated, as it will not only improve the experience for everyday travelers but also ensure that freight transport, a key component of the national economy, continues smoothly across this vital corridor.
Wiley emphasized the significance of the partnership between Arkansas and Tennessee, highlighting the crucial role of keeping freight moving along this stretch of highway. “None of this would be possible if not for the grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the support from our elected officials,” he added. The collaboration between ARDOT and TDOT has been a driving force behind the success of the project, and as Wiley pointed out, TDOT was particularly instrumental in securing the critical grant.
The I-55 Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River and serves as a major transportation route for both passenger and commercial traffic, has long been a point of concern due to its age and capacity limitations. This project is expected to address both issues, creating a safer, more efficient crossing that can better accommodate the needs of the modern-day transportation system.
The partnership between state and federal agencies reflects a shared commitment to the region’s long-term economic stability and growth. With the construction process underway, the project is poised to bring positive changes to transportation infrastructure, benefiting not only Arkansas and Tennessee but also the broader national economy.
For more information about the I-55 Bridge replacement project, including updates on the progress and specifics of the design, visit America’s River Crossing.
The successful selection of Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. as the CM-GC for this project is a clear sign of the importance of collaboration in solving complex infrastructure challenges. With funding from federal and state agencies, this replacement project will ultimately create a safer, more reliable bridge, promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents and travelers alike.
