I-55 Bridge Renamed Kings' Crossing, $400M Construction Funded

The Interstate 55 bridge spanning the Mississippi River between Memphis, Tennessee, and West Memphis, Arkansas, has been renamed Kings' Crossing in honor of three iconic figures: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., B.B. King, and Elvis Presley. This renaming recognizes their transformative legacies as individuals who transcended barriers and fostered cultural exchange in the Mid-South region. The $800 million project to replace the aging bridge, with half of the funding provided by a federal grant and the remainder jointly by Tennessee and Arkansas, marks the largest transportation investment in the history of both states. The new bridge will improve capacity, safety, and resiliency, and will be built to modern seismic standards due to its location on the New Madrid fault line. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by 2031. Officials emphasize that Kings' Crossing symbolizes unity and the enduring spirit of the region's collective history and heritage.