State leaders concerned about possible protests during I-55 bridge shutdown

Mike Suriani
·2 min read
2

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As the I-55 Bridge closes for the weekend, some state leaders worry that groups may use the opportunity to disrupt traffic even more.

The I-55 Bridge in Downtown Memphis will be shut down as part of construction on the I-55 and Crump interchange.

On February 3, the last time the I-55 bridge was closed for construction, Pro-Palestinian demonstrators shut down the I-40 bridge for two hours, putting a stranglehold on traffic crossing the Mississippi River.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators shut down lanes on I-40 bridge

“Protesting is as American as apple pie but you can’t break the law to protest, and that’s what we have to prevent,” said Senator Brent Taylor.

The I-55 bridge will close this Saturday morning through Monday morning for construction, raising the question of whether Memphis is prepared should another protest break out on the I-40 bridge.

“The Memphis Police Department and THP are prepared, I think, this time to deal with that. People are welcome to protest, but if they make their way toward the interstate to try and commandeer the bridge, they should be stopped in their tracks,” said Taylor.

After the February 3 incident, Mayor Paul Young said the City would review how police handled the shutdown.

I-55 bridge closing for construction this weekend

“We’re going to be taking a look back over the next couple of days and thinking about what we can do better,” said Young.

However, Memphis Police have not responded to our email on what plans, if any, they have should a protest occur on the I-40 bridge in the coming days.

Across the river in West Memphis, there is a more obvious concern about any action that could close the I-40 bridge.

DeWayne Rose, Director of Emergency Management in West Memphis, Ark. says that Arkansas State Police, Highway Police, law enforcement agencies, and public safety agencies have been collaborating with partners across the bridge in Tennessee to make sure that plans are in place to navigate any issues and disruptions that could arise.

This includes working with contractors to possibly provide an emergency traffic lane across the I-55 bridge while it is closed.

State Senator Brent Taylor filed a bill that would make blocking a roadway a felony.

The I-55 Bridge will close Saturday at 5 a.m. and is expected to reopen at 6 a.m. on Monday.

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