How One Bridge Shows the Need for Infrastructure

By: ClassADrivers.com

Despite careful route planning, the day of a truck driver is often at the whim of a variety of factors. Sometimes the shipper/receiver isn’t ready. Sometimes weather causes major disruptions in schedule. And other times, the roads themselves cause delays.

The Interstate-40 bridge that connects Tennessee to Arkansas is one such road that is causing major delays for truck drivers. And the bridge is a prime example of why we need new infrastructure fast.

What is the Problem with I-40?

The I-40 bridge takes drivers through Memphis, and it is a crucial piece of the puzzle for commerce in that area of the country. Prior to closing, the bridge gave passage almost 40,000 vehicles a day, including more than 26,000 commercial drivers.

A large crack was discovered in the bridge, which would have caused a disastrous collapse if left unrepaired. The bridge closed on May 11th, which means that all of the aforementioned drivers have to find alternate routes.

What Problems Are Truck Drivers Experiencing?

With 40,000 vehicles looking for another way to get from point A to point B, truck drivers are experiencing severe delays. It’s not uncommon for a single haul to be delayed by a whole hour.

Shannon Newton with the Arkansas Trucking Association noted, “ Sixty minutes of congestion or 60 miles out of route which is roughly $2 million a day that the industry is absorbing in cost as long as that bridge is out.”

Some drivers are choosing to drive at night or avoid rush hours, but this isn’t a guaranteed solution. As a result, some drivers refuse to take any hauls that go through that area.

Truck drivers, who are limited to the amount they can work behind the wheel due to strict Hours of Service regulations, are very cognizant of how they use up their working hours. The addition of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) make drivers aware of their time, down to the minute.

What Is the Current Status of the I-40 Bridge?

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has visited the site of the bridge, and he used the opportunity to pitch President Biden’s plan for infrastructure.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation said that the I-40 bridge may not be reopened until August.

Hopefully if the infrastructure bill passes, truck drivers in the future won’t have to wait for such long delays for repair because our roads and bridges will be maintained under better condition.