VIDEO: Kiewit Infrastructure Chosen to Manage Replacing the I-55 Bridge Over Mississippi River
Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. selected to manage I-55 bridge replacement in Memphis. TDOT secures funding with USDOT award, commits $200M each from state funds.
Tue March 18, 2025 - Southeast Edition Arkansas Business & TDOT
TDOT video
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced March 13, 2025, that Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. of Westlake, Texas, has been chosen as the construction manager and general contractor for the Interstate 55 bridge replacement project in Memphis, Tenn.
The company is a subsidiary of Nebraska-based Kiewit Corp., which is also overseeing the Interstate 30 Crossing project in Little Rock, Ark. as part of a joint venture with Massman Construction of Overland Park, Kan., Arkansas Business magazine noted. The first phase of that project, which included the replacement of the I-30 bridge over the Arkansas River, was completed in November 2024.
In a news release, TDOT said the contract for Kiewit's newest bridge project is in the process of being finalized. In addition, the environmental review and compliance process for the work is wrapping up and design work already is under way.
Parsons Transportation Group Inc., a division of Parsons Corp. of Chantilly, Va., is the project's engineering and design firm.
Construction on the I-55 bridge is estimated to begin as early as the second half of 2025, according to Arkansas Business.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded TDOT $394 million to go toward half the cost of replacing the 75-year-old bridge, which spans the Mississippi River between rural east Arkansas and Memphis, Tenn. TDOT received the landmark investment to replace the I-55 bridge in July 2024.
In addition to the funding from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, TDOT, using a state general fund allocation provided through the Transportation Modernization Act, and ARDOT have each committed up to $200 million — demonstrating a collaborative effort to pay for the bridge replacement.
The federal award also marks the single-largest transportation investment in Tennessee state history.
The I-55 bridge, a vital link for national commerce, is set to undergo a comprehensive overhaul to add capacity, improve safety standards, ensure route resiliency and maintain optimal operational conditions. The new and larger structure also will be designed to meet modern seismic codes, as it sits on the New Madrid fault line.
"This project is building a stronger future for Tennessee," said Butch Eley, who serves as both the state's deputy governor and TDOT commissioner. "We are thrilled to partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Arkansas, and now Kiewit, whose proven track record will be invaluable to the success of this transformative project to enhance regional and national connectivity and safety significantly. We look forward to its positive impact on our state and country for decades to come."
More than 64,000 vehicles are projected to cross the bridge every day by 2050.
"The Arkansas Department of Transportation is pleased to partner with TDOT to construct a modern structure on a corridor that conveys many critical goods and services through the heart of our nation each day," said ARDOT Director Jared Wiley. "We are thankful that TDOT was able to secure this historic grant award and are confident in Kiewit's ability to deliver the project on time and budget."
TDOT to Use CMGC Project Delivery Method
Kiewit is one of the largest engineering and construction firms in North America, with 31,000 employees and $17.1 billion in revenue in 2023.
"Kiewit is very pleased to have been selected to help deliver the bridge replacement project for the Tennessee and Arkansas departments of transportation," said Dave Miles, the company's executive vice president. "We have a long history of safely building and engineering complex bridge and transportation projects across the United States, including in both [Tennessee and Arkansas]. We are excited to bring our experience and skilled workforce to this project, which importantly connects both states for people within and traveling through the region."
While finalizing the contract with Kiewit for the construction manager, TDOT said it will continue to deliver this project. The decision is another progressive step using the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) alternative delivery method.
"CMGC is used for complex projects, aligning technical direction, organizational structure and budgets with the department's strategic vision," according to the state agency.
