Transport Topics (May 20, 2021)

A contract has been awarded for emergency repair of the Interstate 40 bridge, but the span will likely remain closed for months. The bridge carries I-40 across the Mississippi River and links Memphis, Tenn., and West Memphis, Ark. The bridge was closed to vehicular and marine traffic May 11 after a mechanical fracture was discovered during a routine inspection. In the meantime, traffic is being diverted to the Memphis and Arkansas Bridge, which is located about three miles south of the I-40 bridge. On May 14, waterway restrictions for vessels moving beneath the bridge were lifted. Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Newton estimated the closure is costing the trucking industry about $2.4 million each day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices