Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer joined state and local officials in Memphis July 19 to celebrate prior completion of a major interchange project at Interstate 40/240.
When the project began in 2013, it was the largest contract in TDOT history at $109 million, the department said.
The work included building a new four-level interchange, the first of its kind in western Tennessee. The project widened sections of Interstates 40 and 240, built a new 13-lane Wolf River Bridge, widened Sam Cooper Boulevard and installed overhead dynamic message signs in the area.
“Large and complicated projects like this make clear the importance of investing in our infrastructure,” Haslam said. “From shorter commute times to higher efficiency for freight, Memphis and the entire region will benefit from these much-needed improvements.”
The project was not scheduled to be complete until July 31, but the prime contractor had finished all major items of work to open the interchange last December.
“This project has been difficult at times for the thousands of people who travel through this interchange each day,” said Schroer. “We greatly appreciate their patience.”
Two additional projects on sections of I-240 are on TDOT’s list of projects funded by the state’s recently enacted legislation to increase revenue for transportation investments, which will provide funding for 962 road and bridge projects across the state.
