MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Saturday will be the first time you get to drive on the new Interstate 40/240 flyover.
One lane on the I-40E overpass will open.
That is the tallest ramp that towers 95 feet.
There’s still two more years left of work though, so expect more lane closures and traffic woes around the crossover.
TDOT said the results will be well worth it, because this is the biggest project it’s ever done costing nearly $110 million.
“Will there be some traffic tie ups? Absolutely, but we have been able to survive two years, and we maybe have two years more, and when we get done, it will be a great intersection,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer.
The interchange hasn’t had an upgrade in more than five decades even though Memphis continued to grow.
Around 200,000 cars drive through the spot every day.
The project is moving full speed ahead.
TDOT will open a lane on the west bound ramp in a couple of weeks, and then work on adding two more lanes on the Wolf River Bridge.
“The good thing is when it’s done, we will have more space. You kind of have to sit back and let them do what they do, because the city is growing,” said Memphis driver Roney Simelton.