Its been 10 years since I moved from Memphis, but I was just recently reading about the new I-69, I- 269, and I-22 Interstates being constructed in and around the Memphis metro area. Its been somewhat hard to find updated news on progress of the overall projects.

I was just curious how construction was going, and how it was effecting Memphis travel, as well as what impact you think it will have on the city.

I read one article where local govt. was opposed to the outer beltway because it would make it easier for people to leave the city. I definitely see their point, but I also believe it will significantly grow the Memphis metro area and market, which would be a plus for the city I believe.

(03-04-2014 03:18 PM)bobby jo Wrote:  Its been 10 years since I moved from Memphis, but I was just recently reading about the new I-69, I- 269, and I-22 Interstates being constructed in and around the Memphis metro area. Its been somewhat hard to find updated news on progress of the overall projects.

I was just curious how construction was going, and how it was effecting Memphis travel, as well as what impact you think it will have on the city.

I read one article where local govt. was opposed to the outer beltway because it would make it easier for people to leave the city. I definitely see their point, but I also believe it will significantly grow the Memphis metro area and market, which would be a plus for the city I believe.

The outer loop has been finished. It goes from Millington to Collierville. Part of it is Bill Morris.

And Bill Morris has definitely caused CVille to grow.

The TN Dept of Transportation (TDOT) has a site for Transportation Projects across the state.

I have been following that for quite a while to monitor progress on 385. It is now complete as of this past November. I use it every day for my commute.

I now am watching the progress for the new ramp at I-40 and TN Hwy 196.

Here is a link (5-mile scale) of the area: https://www.google.com/maps/@35.0669915,-89.9204529,10z


I-69 / I-269
As I mentioned, SR-385 has been completed. It is an outer loop similar to I-240.

You'll notice on the map linked above that 385 is also labeled as I-269. You'll also notice that the stretch of I-55 in south Memphis is labeled as I-69.

The I-69 Map can be found here: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/i69/map.htm

Sections 7, 8 and 9 are in TN and fall under the jurisdiction of TDOT.

Section 7 runs from Fulton, KY on the state line southwest to Dyersburg. About half of this has been completed.

Section 8 runs from Dyersburg south to Memphis/Millington at 385/269. It seems that I-69 will be built generally following a path just west of existing Highway 51.

Section 9 includes I-69 through Memphis as well as I-269 (385). I-69 will not be new road construction through Memphis. Instead it will piggy-back on I-55.

To the southeast of Collierville (south of Keogh Road and east of Progress Road) TN is currently building the I-269/385 interchange. Technically, they are extending I-269 southwest where it will cross the TN/MS state line and cross over 72. Mississippi is currently building the 269/72 overpass.

From there, I-269 will continue southwest where an interchange with 78 will be built. It will eventually turn due west and connect with the segment of I-69 running from 61 toI-55.

That will complete the I-269 loop. At that point I-269 will begin in Millington to the north of Memphis and end at 61 in Mississippi.

I-22
I-22 is basically the expansion of 78 between Memphis and Birmingham. Some of this was actual new construction while other parts were bringing 78 up to interstate standards.

Much of this work has been completed. Why has the road not yet been renamed to I-69? According to the Wikipedia article Interstate 22:

Quote:However, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), a connection to another Interstate highway must be completed before this highway is officially designated as part of the Interstate Highway System. To be completed but under construction is an interchange with I-65 near Birmingham. An interchange to be constructed near Byhalia designated as I-269 would be the western terminus of I-22. The portion of I-269 just north of this area was completed by early 2013.

So, it seems that in order to be officially dubbed I-22, the connection to I-65 at Birmingham must be completed. The expected completion date for this segment Once that is done, I-22 will be seen on maps.

Of course, as I mentioned in the 69/269 discussion above, I-269 will connect with 78. At that time 78 will have been renamed I-22.

Whether I-22 (78 aka Lamar) ever makes it all the way to I-240 remains to be see. That part of 78/Lamar from the TN/MS state line to I-240 is highly industrialized making it difficult and costly to connect I-22 to I-240.

Really appreciate the info and the links. Very informative for me trying to envision the changing landscape of the city without being there. I hope all of the changes really bring a lot of positives for the whole area.

I haven't read that perspective from local government. Back when the routes were being planned, I remember the MS resistance to cooperation with Shelby regarding supporting both the through route (which Shelby wanted) and the loop. Shelby was more willinng to take a regional approach and support both. I can't remember if MS agreed eventually, or the DOT approved both over MS objection. Now 69 is getting blocked at the TN state level from receiving funds to be completed in rural W Tenn.

Besides that drama, the main concerns I've remembered are from suburbs concerned with more traffic and folks on Lamar not wanting even the prospect of 22 entering into the city to be considered (it seems that it has to at least be considered).

22 is US78, I believe. Back when it was still Corridor X, I read where AL and GA were considering turning 72 into an interstate as well. I think their gluttony was eventually kibashed.

Having four interstates, two loops would be healthy for commerce and the region overall. Without the new additions, there is already development extending in the outer metro, with new supersites to the east and development deeper south even into Tupelo/Blue Springs. These new interstates (and hopefully new river bridges someday) enhance Memphis' logistic position, and position as an economic center. I think it makes the region more attractive to relocate TO, to have better interconnectivity to a lot of diverse options.

And I have witnessed an apparent surge within the city (both in-loop and E Mem) of new businesses, esp. locally owned. improvements in quality of life have not stopped. Much needs to be done, but the region has turned in the right direction, its very heartening. Just need to keep feeding the innovation and creativity monsters. Disruption and change is good.

(03-04-2014 06:34 PM)bobby jo Wrote:  Really appreciate the info and the links. Very informative for me trying to envision the changing landscape of the city without being there. I hope all of the changes really bring a lot of positives for the whole area.

A regional perspective is necessary for the positives to be maximized. With najor manufacturing increasing both in the county and outside, these roads are needed to accommodate exchange of labor forces as well as goods. All 5 RRs have also expanded/modernized, and some of that has been in other counties.

Its a cutthroat world, especially in civic competition. The region still lags in a few areas, so it needs to find successful, perhaps new, strategies to reduce obesity, improve education, and improve economic mobility. Can't necessarily rely on Wall Street or DC to do responsible, healthy things. Gotta make improvements without them, and maybe at some point they jump on board.

Kansas is eyeing 1 bill+ in federal pork to relocate an agriculture disease research institute from NY. I'm wondering did Mid South legislators consider discussing the Agricenter or NW Tenn/NE Ark as an option? Seems, except for Cohen, the area is federally neglected and abandoned by our reps. I hope I am just missing the news on that. I would love to be wrong.

When was the 40 to 385 leg completed? I was there in May for a funeral and was looking for a quicker route from my daughter's home off 40 (Arlington) and to 72 East of Collierville to make it on to Corinth. Was it complete then? I just took Houston Levee all the way to Nonconnah and out to 72.

I-69 is supposed to cross the MS River just north of my home town in Arkansas. My brothers and I were trying to buy some land to possibly lease out for a truck stop/restaurant or something. Seems some state legislators were way ahead of me. That's just wrong.

Building Commissions, always know where the next hot spot will be.

(03-05-2014 11:21 AM)Tiger46 Wrote:  When was the 40 to 385 leg completed? I was there in May for a funeral and was looking for a quicker route from my daughter's home off 40 (Arlington) and to 72 East of Collierville to make it on to Corinth. Was it complete then? I just took Houston Levee all the way to Nonconnah and out to 72.

I-69 is supposed to cross the MS River just north of my home town in Arkansas. My brothers and I were trying to buy some land to possibly lease out for a truck stop/restaurant or something. Seems some state legislators were way ahead of me. That's just wrong.

the I-40/385 interchange has been completed for a while. 385 extended from I-40 south to Macon/Hwy 193.

There was a gap from Macon/193 south to Hwy 57 in Piperton/Collierville. From that point 385 picked up again.

That gap between Macon/193 to 57 was completed in Novermber 2013. Interestingly, that was actually ONE YEAR ahead of the initial schedule. They planned for quite a bit of bad weather that never materialized.

The contractor that built leg of 385 is also the contractor doing the I-40/I-240 interchange work that is going on right now.

(03-05-2014 12:55 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  That gap between Macon/193 to 57 was completed in Novermber 2013. Interestingly, that was actually ONE YEAR ahead of the initial schedule. They planned for quite a bit of bad weather that never materialized.

It opened just in time for our Thanksgiving trip home last year. Made getting from my mom's place in Oakland to everyone else in Memphis much easier!

(03-04-2014 06:16 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  The TN Dept of Transportation (TDOT) has a site for Transportation Projects across the state.

I have been following that for quite a while to monitor progress on 385. It is now complete as of this past November. I use it every day for my commute.

I now am watching the progress for the new ramp at I-40 and TN Hwy 196.

Here is a link (5-mile scale) of the area: https://www.google.com/maps/@35.0669915,-89.9204529,10z


I-69 / I-269
As I mentioned, SR-385 has been completed. It is an outer loop similar to I-240.

You'll notice on the map linked above that 385 is also labeled as I-269. You'll also notice that the stretch of I-55 in south Memphis is labeled as I-69.

The I-69 Map can be found here: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/i69/map.htm

Sections 7, 8 and 9 are in TN and fall under the jurisdiction of TDOT.

Section 7 runs from Fulton, KY on the state line southwest to Dyersburg. About half of this has been completed.

Section 8 runs from Dyersburg south to Memphis/Millington at 385/269. It seems that I-69 will be built generally following a path just west of existing Highway 51.

Section 9 includes I-69 through Memphis as well as I-269 (385). I-69 will not be new road construction through Memphis. Instead it will piggy-back on I-55.

To the southeast of Collierville (south of Keogh Road and east of Progress Road) TN is currently building the I-269/385 interchange. Technically, they are extending I-269 southwest where it will cross the TN/MS state line and cross over 72. Mississippi is currently building the 269/72 overpass.

From there, I-269 will continue southwest where an interchange with 78 will be built. It will eventually turn due west and connect with the segment of I-69 running from 61 toI-55.

That will complete the I-269 loop. At that point I-269 will begin in Millington to the north of Memphis and end at 61 in Mississippi.

I-22
I-22 is basically the expansion of 78 between Memphis and Birmingham. Some of this was actual new construction while other parts were bringing 78 up to interstate standards.

Much of this work has been completed. Why has the road not yet been renamed to I-69? According to the Wikipedia article Interstate 22:

Quote:However, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), a connection to another Interstate highway must be completed before this highway is officially designated as part of the Interstate Highway System. To be completed but under construction is an interchange with I-65 near Birmingham. An interchange to be constructed near Byhalia designated as I-269 would be the western terminus of I-22. The portion of I-269 just north of this area was completed by early 2013.

So, it seems that in order to be officially dubbed I-22, the connection to I-65 at Birmingham must be completed. The expected completion date for this segment Once that is done, I-22 will be seen on maps.

Of course, as I mentioned in the 69/269 discussion above, I-269 will connect with 78. At that time 78 will have been renamed I-22.

Whether I-22 (78 aka Lamar) ever makes it all the way to I-240 remains to be see. That part of 78/Lamar from the TN/MS state line to I-240 is highly industrialized making it difficult and costly to connect I-22 to I-240.

The western terminus of I22 will be connected to I269 wich is currently under construction from the collierville edge of 385 that runs until it connects with the finished I69 from I55 to tunica

(03-05-2014 06:12 PM)homefry20 Wrote:  

(03-04-2014 06:16 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  The TN Dept of Transportation (TDOT) has a site for Transportation Projects across the state.

I have been following that for quite a while to monitor progress on 385. It is now complete as of this past November. I use it every day for my commute.

I now am watching the progress for the new ramp at I-40 and TN Hwy 196.

Here is a link (5-mile scale) of the area: https://www.google.com/maps/@35.0669915,-89.9204529,10z


I-69 / I-269
As I mentioned, SR-385 has been completed. It is an outer loop similar to I-240.

You'll notice on the map linked above that 385 is also labeled as I-269. You'll also notice that the stretch of I-55 in south Memphis is labeled as I-69.

The I-69 Map can be found here: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/i69/map.htm

Sections 7, 8 and 9 are in TN and fall under the jurisdiction of TDOT.

Section 7 runs from Fulton, KY on the state line southwest to Dyersburg. About half of this has been completed.

Section 8 runs from Dyersburg south to Memphis/Millington at 385/269. It seems that I-69 will be built generally following a path just west of existing Highway 51.

Section 9 includes I-69 through Memphis as well as I-269 (385). I-69 will not be new road construction through Memphis. Instead it will piggy-back on I-55.

To the southeast of Collierville (south of Keogh Road and east of Progress Road) TN is currently building the I-269/385 interchange. Technically, they are extending I-269 southwest where it will cross the TN/MS state line and cross over 72. Mississippi is currently building the 269/72 overpass.

From there, I-269 will continue southwest where an interchange with 78 will be built. It will eventually turn due west and connect with the segment of I-69 running from 61 toI-55.

That will complete the I-269 loop. At that point I-269 will begin in Millington to the north of Memphis and end at 61 in Mississippi.

I-22
I-22 is basically the expansion of 78 between Memphis and Birmingham. Some of this was actual new construction while other parts were bringing 78 up to interstate standards.

Much of this work has been completed. Why has the road not yet been renamed to I-69? According to the Wikipedia article Interstate 22:

Quote:However, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), a connection to another Interstate highway must be completed before this highway is officially designated as part of the Interstate Highway System. To be completed but under construction is an interchange with I-65 near Birmingham. An interchange to be constructed near Byhalia designated as I-269 would be the western terminus of I-22. The portion of I-269 just north of this area was completed by early 2013.

So, it seems that in order to be officially dubbed I-22, the connection to I-65 at Birmingham must be completed. The expected completion date for this segment Once that is done, I-22 will be seen on maps.

Of course, as I mentioned in the 69/269 discussion above, I-269 will connect with 78. At that time 78 will have been renamed I-22.

Whether I-22 (78 aka Lamar) ever makes it all the way to I-240 remains to be see. That part of 78/Lamar from the TN/MS state line to I-240 is highly industrialized making it difficult and costly to connect I-22 to I-240.

The western terminus of I22 will be connected to I269 wich is currently under construction from the collierville edge of 385 that runs until it connects with the finished I69 from I55 to tunica

I pass the 385/269 construction every day. That leg is under construction per TDOT from there south to the TN/MS state line.

MDOT is also currently working that leg from the TN/MS state line southwest to Hwy 72.

I'm not sure of the exact path it will follow from 72 to 78 (aka I-22). Will it be north of Red Banks Rd? South of it?

That interchange isn't currently under construction, is it?

(03-06-2014 12:34 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  

(03-05-2014 06:12 PM)homefry20 Wrote:  

(03-04-2014 06:16 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  The TN Dept of Transportation (TDOT) has a site for Transportation Projects across the state.

I have been following that for quite a while to monitor progress on 385. It is now complete as of this past November. I use it every day for my commute.

I now am watching the progress for the new ramp at I-40 and TN Hwy 196.

Here is a link (5-mile scale) of the area: https://www.google.com/maps/@35.0669915,-89.9204529,10z


I-69 / I-269
As I mentioned, SR-385 has been completed. It is an outer loop similar to I-240.

You'll notice on the map linked above that 385 is also labeled as I-269. You'll also notice that the stretch of I-55 in south Memphis is labeled as I-69.

The I-69 Map can be found here: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/i69/map.htm

Sections 7, 8 and 9 are in TN and fall under the jurisdiction of TDOT.

Section 7 runs from Fulton, KY on the state line southwest to Dyersburg. About half of this has been completed.

Section 8 runs from Dyersburg south to Memphis/Millington at 385/269. It seems that I-69 will be built generally following a path just west of existing Highway 51.

Section 9 includes I-69 through Memphis as well as I-269 (385). I-69 will not be new road construction through Memphis. Instead it will piggy-back on I-55.

To the southeast of Collierville (south of Keogh Road and east of Progress Road) TN is currently building the I-269/385 interchange. Technically, they are extending I-269 southwest where it will cross the TN/MS state line and cross over 72. Mississippi is currently building the 269/72 overpass.

From there, I-269 will continue southwest where an interchange with 78 will be built. It will eventually turn due west and connect with the segment of I-69 running from 61 toI-55.

That will complete the I-269 loop. At that point I-269 will begin in Millington to the north of Memphis and end at 61 in Mississippi.

I-22
I-22 is basically the expansion of 78 between Memphis and Birmingham. Some of this was actual new construction while other parts were bringing 78 up to interstate standards.

Much of this work has been completed. Why has the road not yet been renamed to I-69? According to the Wikipedia article Interstate 22:

Quote:However, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), a connection to another Interstate highway must be completed before this highway is officially designated as part of the Interstate Highway System. To be completed but under construction is an interchange with I-65 near Birmingham. An interchange to be constructed near Byhalia designated as I-269 would be the western terminus of I-22. The portion of I-269 just north of this area was completed by early 2013.

So, it seems that in order to be officially dubbed I-22, the connection to I-65 at Birmingham must be completed. The expected completion date for this segment Once that is done, I-22 will be seen on maps.

Of course, as I mentioned in the 69/269 discussion above, I-269 will connect with 78. At that time 78 will have been renamed I-22.

Whether I-22 (78 aka Lamar) ever makes it all the way to I-240 remains to be see. That part of 78/Lamar from the TN/MS state line to I-240 is highly industrialized making it difficult and costly to connect I-22 to I-240.

The western terminus of I22 will be connected to I269 wich is currently under construction from the collierville edge of 385 that runs until it connects with the finished I69 from I55 to tunica

I pass the 385/269 construction every day. That leg is under construction per TDOT from there south to the TN/MS state line.

MDOT is also currently working that leg from the TN/MS state line southwest to Hwy 72.

I'm not sure of the exact path it will follow from 72 to 78 (aka I-22). Will it be north of Red Banks Rd? South of it?

That interchange isn't currently under construction, is it?

I haven't been on that stretch of 78 since I moved to Arlington so I have no clue

(03-05-2014 04:18 PM)yakko Wrote:  

(03-05-2014 12:55 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  That gap between Macon/193 to 57 was completed in Novermber 2013. Interestingly, that was actually ONE YEAR ahead of the initial schedule. They planned for quite a bit of bad weather that never materialized.

It opened just in time for our Thanksgiving trip home last year. Made getting from my mom's place in Oakland to everyone else in Memphis much easier!

Living in Hickory Wythe I can attest that it has made everything much faster and easier.

(03-07-2014 10:41 AM)TigerBill Wrote:  

(03-05-2014 04:18 PM)yakko Wrote:  

(03-05-2014 12:55 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  That gap between Macon/193 to 57 was completed in Novermber 2013. Interestingly, that was actually ONE YEAR ahead of the initial schedule. They planned for quite a bit of bad weather that never materialized.

It opened just in time for our Thanksgiving trip home last year. Made getting from my mom's place in Oakland to everyone else in Memphis much easier!

Living in Hickory Wythe I can attest that it has made everything much faster and easier.

Amen to that!

Just imagine when the I-40/196 interchange gets built!