The M Bridge Memphis Tennessee Bridge Art
by Reid Callaway
Title
The M Bridge Memphis Tennessee Bridge Art
Artist
Reid Callaway
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The M Bridge.....Reid Callaway
Memphis, Tennessee Bridge Art
I took this image from the Arkansas side of the Mississippi River, after walking a mile or more thru a plowed field at 2 am in the morning to reach the bank of the Mississippi River. I think it was worth it! Enjoy!
The Hernando De Soto Bridge opened in 1973 and carries more than 55,000 vehicles each day. It is referred to as the "M" Bridge because the arches resemble the letter M. Many Memphians call it the "New Bridge" simply because it's newer than the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge. And it's also referred to, with a slight wink, as "The Dolly Parton Bridge." The bridge is named for 16th century Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto who explored this stretch of the Mississippi River, and died south of Memphis. Because the I-40 crossing over the Mississippi is a vital structure for the traffic and freight in America, it was determined in the 1990's that the Hernando De Soto Bridge should be retrofitted to withstand an earthquake. Several phases of the project have been completed. This project is federally funded at 80% and the total cost will be in excess of $175 million.
At night, the bridge is illuminated by 200 sodium vapor lights along its "M" structure. The big "M" on the bridge has become a symbol of the city. It was first lit in 1986 after $373,000 in private funds had been raised to fund the cost and installation of the lights. Pilots complained that the lights made navigation through the piers difficult because the lights reflected on the water. The city installed a remote switch to toggle the lights on and off briefly while a vessel passes under the bridge.
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Comments, Likes and Favorites are appreciated... :-)
Uploaded
February 20th, 2017
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Viewed 1,963 Times - Last Visitor from Lincoln, RI on 03/28/2024 at 1:44 PM
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Comments (7)
Reid Callaway
Thank you Gary for admiring my artwork and for making this image one of your personal Favorites! 11/6/2023
Reid Callaway
Thank you for enjoying my artwork Robyn King and for making this image one of your personal Favorites!