MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The bridge across the Mississippi Rover connecting Memphis to Arkansas is one of the mostly heavily traveled in the country, and what goes across it and even underneath it daily keeps much of the country running.
It gives Memphis the title of the Distribution Capital of the Country.
Roads, waterways, and rails carry everything you can imagine coast to coast.
“We are centrally located and have quite a bit of traffic, whether through the air, on the interstate, or up the river. There is a lot that passes through our community, ” Shelby County Mayor Bill Oldham said.
The transportation mecca may also get the attention of those who want to cripple distribution, so law enforcement protect those critical points. The collaboration increased after the 9/11 terrorist attack.
“That mission is to specifically address working together across disciplines to address anything that could occur, whether it be man-made or whether it be a disaster,” Oldham said.
Transportation and railroad officials work together on addressing threats to bridge security. Tennessee and Arkansas take joint responsibility for patrolling the bridge.
The players may have changed over the year, but not the work.
“It requires us to work together, be attentive to details and make sure the information we get regardless of how small it might be is vetted properly,” Oldham said.
Past national attacks have taught plenty about what could happen in the future.
“Lessons can be learned. We should never forget what occurred and try to be prepared to eventualities to keep people safe,” Oldham said.