Aerial view of a bridge with an arch design spanning a river at sunset. The sky is a gradient of orange, pink, and purple hues. City lights twinkle in the distance, and the reflection of the bridge is visible on the water.

Interstate 55: America's River Crossing

Tennessee, United States of America

2024

Client Tennessee Department of Transport

Infrastructure · Road & Rail

This concept design for a major bridge across the Mississippi River demonstrates the power of design and the importance of collaboration. A series of schemes were conceived at bid stage to illustrate a spectrum of possibilities ranging in span and scale, yet each with landmark potential.

A series of abstract, architectural line drawings arranged horizontally, featuring various geometric shapes, intersecting lines, and structures resembling frameworks or wireframes on a white background.

All of the schemes respect neighbouring bridges, matching pier locations in some instances while anticipating shipping needs (and impact loads) over the coming century. Safety, constructability, cost and schedule influenced the design from roadway arrangement and deck configuration to pier location and tower form. The combination of reliable structural forms with ambitious shaping and articulation result in striking additions to a city’s skyline and image.