As Exports Explode, Emergency Structural Damage on I-40 Bridge Brings Barge Traffic to a Halt
A significant fracture on the Interstate-40 bridge that connects Tennessee to Arkansas has now closed the bridge not only to vehicle traffic but also to barges, until the issue can be fixed. The emergency shutdown is now a barrier for barge traffic on the Mississippi River.
The Soy Transportation Coalition says the fracture was discovered during a routine inspection that occurs every two years. The crack was on a beam that authorities say is essential to the bridge’s structural integrity.
The Coalition says the temporary shutdown comes with no timeline on when barge traffic will resume. It’s a major blow for the high-traffic area. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Coalition, says it’s an essential route for export traffic.
“Most every barge loaded with soybeans, corn, or other agricultural commodity along the upper Mississippi, Ohio, Illinois, or Missouri rivers is destined to Gulf of Mexico export facilities near New Orleans, and therefore, must pass underneath the I-40 bridge,” Steenhoek explains.
ICYMI - the #40MSRiverBridge remains closed until further notice. A significant fracture was found during a routine inspection. We and @myTDOT are working together to safeguard all travelers (road & water) and then reopen these paths to the public as soon as safely possible. pic.twitter.com/D6DXwlH5Cf — Arkansas DOT (@myARDOT) May 12, 2021
The Coalition says the data speaks to just how large of an issue this is. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in the week ending May 1, 438 barges moved down the riverway destined for Gulf export facilities, with the majority of those barges loaded north of Memphis.
"It is reasonable to assume hundreds of barges of U.S. grain will be negatively impacted by the closure depending on its duration,” says Steenhoek. “Because U.S. soybeans are primarily exported between the months of September and February, other commodities, particularly corn, will bear more of the brunt of the barge traffic suspension, but soybeans will clearly be impacted as well.”
The news comes the same week President Biden is pushing a $2 Trillion infrastructure bill in Washington, which is being met with resistance from the GOP.
When I ran I said I wasn't going to be the Democratic president, I'm going to be the president for all Americans," Biden said. "But the bottom line here is, we're going to see whether we can reach some consensus on a compromise."
GOP leaders stated this week they would work on a compromise, but won't budge on raising corporate and upper-income taxes as a way to pay for Biden's proposals.
Listen to Mike Steenhoek's interview on AgriTalk:
This is a developing story. Check back for continued updates.
