Tennessee and Arkansas officials unveiled the new name for the new bridge to span the Mississippi River for I-55: “Kings’ Crossing.”
The I-55 bridge is set to undergo a comprehensive overhaul to add capacity, improve safety standards, ensure route resiliency, and maintain optimal operational conditions, according to a news release from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT).
The existing bridge, which has served travelers for 75 years since its construction, will be replaced with a larger structure designed to meet modern seismic codes, as it sits on the New Madrid fault line.
Transportation officials in both states said the name honors: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., B.B. King, and Elvis Presley.
“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,” said 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.”
ARDOT Director Jared Wiley said it is only fitting to name this “vital” crossing after “three historic figures from this region.”
“[The new bridge] 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,” Wiley said.
In July 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the states nearly $400 million, almost half the cost of replacing the I-55 bridge over the Mississippi River. Those funds came through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. TDOT and ARDOT each committed up to $200 million. This marks the single-largest transportation investment in Tennessee’s and Arkansas’ state history.
The environmental process is wrapping up on the I-55 bridge replacement project. Design is underway, and right-of-way coordination should begin later this year. Construction is estimated to start next year. TDOT and ARDOT are partnering to design and construct the bridge.
