# I-40 Bridge (into Memphis) closed for emergency inspection \[update - bridge has been re-opened\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 12, 2021, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897 "2021-05-12T11:39:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/1 "2021-05-12T11:39:44Z")
I-40 is a major cross country corridor. This bridge crosses the Mississippi River into Memphis. Connects Arkansas and Tennessee. They’re rerouting traffic over I-55. This isn’t just a local problem. This could impact the country’s shipping. River passage under the bridge is also closed. There’s a press conference later today. I hope this isn’t a long closure. Arkansas Department of Transportation and Tennessee Department of Transportation are looking into this problem. > **[I-40 Bridge over Mississippi River remains closed after structural crack...](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/i-40-bridge-over-mississippi-river-remains-closed-after-structural-crack-discovered/article_afde749e-232a-5d4c-8313-7fc246515487.html)** > > Heads up, Mid-South drivers! The I-40 bridge - also known as the “M” bridge - has been shut down in both directions. > [@](#): > > According to an ARDOT spokesperson, the bridge is closed because of a structural infrastructure crack in the bridge. > > TDOT says the crack was found in the “bottom side of the bridge truss” or support beam. > > According to a tweet from ARDOT, the bridge will be closed through Wednesday morning rush hour as engineers inspect drone footage of the crack. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/2 "2021-05-12T12:35:33Z")
With the Colonial Pipeline incident and this happening at the same time, I’m sensing that Americans may find their lives disrupted a bit in the coming weeks. I checked a map of Memphis and it didn’t look as tho the detour to I-55 was a great distance; is it? ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/4 "2021-05-12T12:45:34Z")
🤯 That’s unpossible given the continuing success of the Trump administration’s “infrastructure week”! ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/5 "2021-05-12T13:28:54Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > I checked a map of Memphis and it didn’t look as tho the detour to I-55 was a great distance; is it? It’s normally not bad. I’ve taken I-55 driving into Mississippi. I can’t remember if it was I-55 or 240 that has a lot of traffic lights. It’s almost like being on a city street. I’ve rarely driven in Memphis. I’m usually trying to get around it on trips to Nashville or into Mississippi. Traffic is always heavy. I-55 will be really bad until the bridge reopens. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/6 "2021-05-12T14:26:31Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > With the Colonial Pipeline incident and this happening at the same time, I’m sensing that Americans may find their lives disrupted a bit in the coming weeks. Yeah, this sort of thing is why I’ve long kept about 1-2 weeks of food and supplies tucked away at home and my vehicle fuel tanks half full - in case of disruption it’s less disrupting to me, personally. Although I think the folks building mini-bunkers with 2 years of food and enough guns and ammo for a small nation are taking “prepping” to an unhealthy extreme. I also recognize that not everyone is equally able to be ready for 1-2 weeks self-sufficiency and, to be honest, I’m a bit weak on some items myself. You do your best and then cope. Also - keeping on good terms with the neighbors is a seriously under-appreciated resource. When the going gets tough communities do better than individuals. Bartering is a thing. And so on. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/7 "2021-05-12T14:49:34Z")
Short two minute video. River view crossing underneath the bridge. I like the view of the city from the river. This was posted a month ago. It’s scary to realize the bridge crack must have already started. I’ve been reading Reddit to get more information about the closure. > **[r/memphis - Trip under the I-40 bridge](https://www.reddit.com/r/memphis/comments/ma7bxk/trip_under_the_i40_bridge/)** > > 44 votes and 16 comments so far on Reddit ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/8 "2021-05-12T16:03:41Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I can’t remember if it was I-55 or 240 that has a lot of traffic lights. Interstate highways don’t have traffic lights. A better article: > **['Structural crack' on Hernando de Soto 'M' bridge closes all I-40 lanes,...](https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2021/05/11/all-lanes-40-closed-hernando-de-soto-m-bridge-police-say/5043580001/)** > > The I-40 bridge in Memphis has been shut down due to a structural crack. When the Hernando de Soto 'M' bridge will reopen is unknown. Note: Boat traffic in the area on the Mississippi was also shut down. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/9 "2021-05-12T16:54:21Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > That’s unpossible given the continuing success of the Trump administration’s “infrastructure week”! Mod note: Please, no political cracks in MPSIMS. No warning. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/10 "2021-05-12T17:14:36Z")
> [@PastTense](#): > > Note: Boat traffic in the area on the Mississippi was also shut down. No barge traffic? That would cause problems, I would think. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/11 "2021-05-12T17:16:22Z")
Yep. Looks like this decade is shaping up to be the Disrupted Decade. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/12 "2021-05-12T17:32:10Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > No barge traffic? That would cause problems, I would think. Right: > **[Barge traffic at a standstill in wake of bridge closure](https://www.actionnews5.com/2021/05/12/barge-traffic-standstill-wake-bridge-closure/)** > > Barges are lining the banks of the Mississippi River due to a major bridge closure between Tennessee and Arkansas. ---
**Author:** ![Crankyhillbilly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7993a0/32.png) [@Crankyhillbilly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crankyhillbilly)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/13 "2021-05-12T17:43:45Z")
Interstates are generally on two bridges. One for each directions so at least one should reopen with two way traffic. This might be a coincidence but it happening when an infrastructure bill is being approved makes me suspicious. The publicity pretty much locks int he funds to replace it. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/14 "2021-05-12T18:03:08Z")
> [@Crankyhillbilly](#): > > Interstates are generally on two bridges. One for each directions so at least one should reopen with two way traffic. That’s going to depend on where the crack is and what they have to do to fix it. From what I can see, they might have to repair an entire side of a pier. That would screw up traffic for months if not years. I’m actually more concerned about the blockage of barge traffic. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/15 "2021-05-12T18:25:31Z")
I watched ARDOT’s press conference. The crack is in one of the 2 main beams. I lost count of the times they said _very significant damage_. The bridge gets inspected annually. Pictures will be released later today. It sounds like shipping will be impacted for awhile. Repairs over a river are always more difficult. They’ll announce a plan to fix the bridge when it’s ready. Press conference > **[ARDOT officials give update on I-40 Mississippi River bridge closure, no...](https://www.kark.com/news/state-news/tennessee-dot-holds-news-conference-in-wake-of-i-40-bridge-closure/)** > > Arkansas Department of Transportation officials held a news conference Wednesday to share updates on the closure of the Interstate 40 bridge crossing the Mississippi River after cracks were found T… ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/16 "2021-05-12T18:30:48Z")
Picture: [![](https://gray-wvlt-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/2nUe_gh_NbfriXH7Lnm8WZMBrvI=/1200x675/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/DYN42KCBUJHVPB7UBUUDRNFZ2E.jpg) ](https://gray-wvlt-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/2nUe_gh_NbfriXH7Lnm8WZMBrvI=/1200x675/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/DYN42KCBUJHVPB7UBUUDRNFZ2E.jpg) I would call this a break not a crack. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/17 "2021-05-12T18:34:13Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > eks of food and supplies tucked away at home and my vehicle fuel tanks half full - in case of disruption it’s less disrupting to me, personally. > > Although I think the folks building mini-bunkers with 2 years of food and enough guns and ammo for a small nation are taking “prepping” to an unhealthy extreme. > > I also recognize that not everyone is equally able to be ready Good lord! I was imagining some sort of picture where an engineer would have to draw a red circle around some small detail that most of us would not notice. This is not that. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/18 "2021-05-12T20:29:49Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > That would screw up traffic for months if not years. I’m actually more concerned about the blockage of barge traffic. Me, too - it’s a LOT easier to re-route cars and trucks than Mississippi barge traffic because, well, it’s hard to re-route a river. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/19 "2021-05-12T21:13:20Z")
I can’t recall how to calculate the stresses in those rivets. I can’t even remember the name of the course, perhaps “Mechanics of Materials”. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/20 "2021-05-12T21:22:07Z")
Better picture to get an idea of the size of the break. [https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/185202904\_3812862235493355\_434507571109977244\_n.jpg?\_nc\_cat=100&ccb=1-3&\_nc\_sid=8bfeb9&\_nc\_ohc=b3KKPrVq3ioAX8-eynV&\_nc\_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=bbef37a3a11d967f5d33ad82d7400587&oe=60C14C16](https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/185202904_3812862235493355_434507571109977244_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=b3KKPrVq3ioAX8-eynV&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=bbef37a3a11d967f5d33ad82d7400587&oe=60C14C16) I’ll bet the inspector needed a new pair of pants after seeing that. Not going to be an easy fix. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897/21 "2021-05-12T22:22:36Z")
There’s a support pier on the opposite side from the crack. Maybe they could pour a pier directly under the crack? Then box in that broken beam with new welded steel. Seems like that would work. But an engineer has to crunch the numbers and calculate load. Pouring a pier into bedrock would be a big job and could take months. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-40-bridge-into-memphis-closed-for-emergency-inspection-update-bridge-has-been-re-opened/941897.md?page=2)