I-40/I-240 Interchange Reconstruction-East Memphis, Shelby County
Overview
The I-40/I-240 interchange on the eastside of Memphis is considered to be a chokepoint where growth has caused congestion to increase rapidly in recent years. When the interchange was originally designed and built in 1964, I-40 was to go through Memphis, while I-240 was to serve as a loop around the city. Since litigation stopped I-40 west of the interchange and it was never finished through Memphis, the interchange became overburdened with westbound I-40 traffic utilizing I-240.
Average daily traffic (ADT) on I-40 has grown from 49,000 daily in 1985 to 128,000 daily in 1999. Traffic on I-240 has grown from 67,000 a day in 1985 to 139,000 a day in 1999. Projections show the interchange could be handling well over 300,000 vehicles daily by the year 2015. The construction of new ramps and the widening of I-240 will improve traffic flow not only on I-240 and I-40, but also on local roads that feed into the interstate system.
Features
- The project includes a four-level interchange, the first of its kind in West Tennessee. Currently, the only similar interchange in Tennessee is located in Nashville at the I-440/I-65 interchange.
- Three levels of the four will be completed during Project One. The fourth level ramp/bridge, the tallest of the structures, will be included in Project Two.
- Once complete, the fourth level structure will rise more than 70 feet above Sam Cooper Boulevard.
- Anticipated earthquake forces were included in the design of all bridges in the project.
If you would like to comment on this project email: TDOT.Comments@tn.gov
Governor Bill Haslam
