The Hernando DeSoto Bridge reopened after three months – structural crack repaired

After nearly three months, since May 11 2021, the 3,3 miles-long Hernando DeSoto Bridge reopened to traffic in both directions. Last May, after a routine inspection, a structural crack was found. The crack was discovered within the elements of a steel box beam, as it has been reported.

This bridge is a major transport infrastructure in this area connecting Memphis, Tennessee, to Arkansas. It was built in late 1960s as one of the only two Mississippi River crossings in the Memphis area. The Tennessee Department of Transportation indicated that approximately 60,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.

"We know having the bridge closed has been incredibly inconvenient," TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright said. "We appreciate the public's patience while our team made the repairs and performed extensive inspections to ensure its structurally sound for many years to come."

Both Arkansas and Tennessee share responsibility for the bridge, as ARDOT handles inspections and TDOT handles repairs, they said in a statement.

"Back in May, we speculated that it would be the end of July, first of August to work through all the phases needed to reopen the bridge," Bright said.

"We did not know then what all would be involved, but what I do know is we have all been fortunate to have had a great team that personally took on this project and worked tirelessly to safely reopen the bridge as soon as possible."