Hernando de Soto Bridge

The Hernando de Soto Bridge spans 5954 meters across the Mississippi River, featuring a distinctive steel arch design connecting Tennessee and Arkansas.

The bridge construction started in 1967 after Tennessee agreed to fund 60 percent while Arkansas covered the remaining 40 percent of the costs.

Named after the Spanish explorer who navigated the Mississippi River during the 16th century, the bridge carries Interstate 40 between Memphis and West Memphis.

The structure measures 27 meters in width and includes multiple traffic lanes that accommodate thousands of vehicles crossing the Mississippi River daily.

Two hundred sodium vapor lights illuminate the bridge at night, with a system allowing temporary darkness to assist river navigation when needed.

Location: Tennessee

Location: West Memphis

Inception: August 2, 1973

Official opening: August 2, 1973

Length: 5,954 m

Longest Span: 274 m

Width: 27 m

GPS coordinates: 35.15278,-90.06389

Latest update: September 23, 2025 16:45