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🚧 The $800 Million Dollar Bridge To Progress! 🚧

🚧 The $800 Million Dollar Bridge To Progress! 🚧

Reshaping Transport In Tennessee!

December 15, 2024

Another Happy But Cloudy Sunday In The Hub City!

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

Why It's Needed 🛠️
The Impact On The Region 🚛
The Impact On West Tennessee 💵
The Impact On Jackson ✨
Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝
Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

If you have crossed this bridge in the last few years, you can easily see that its age is showing!

🛠️ Why It's Needed 🛠️

The Interstate 55 bridge, connecting Tennessee and Arkansas over the Mississippi River, is facing growing safety concerns due to its outdated design. Originally built decades ago, the structure fails to meet modern engineering standards for seismic activity, a critical issue for the Memphis region, which sits near the New Madrid Fault Line.

I know we have been hearing for years that “The Big One” was going to happen but if it does with the current bridge it would cripple transport between West Tennessee and Arkansas for years.

4.7 Million Tons Of Cargo Flowed Through This Airport In 2022!

The I-55 Bridge is also a crucial gateway to the Memphis International Airport (MEM), which is the second busiest cargo airport in the world, following only Hong Kong International Airport in terms of cargo volume.

Additionally, the bridge lacks adequate capacity and features like wider lanes and shoulders, making it insufficient for today's traffic volumes.

The new design will incorporate seismic retrofitting to withstand potential earthquakes and ensure greater safety for the thousands of vehicles crossing daily. These updates address not only safety but also the bridge’s ability to handle future growth in transportation needs.

🚛 The Impact On The Region 🚛

The I-55 corridor is a vital artery for commerce and travel, linking key southern and southeastern states. Every year, billions of dollars’ worth of goods flow through this region, with the current bridge serving as a critical connector for freight, businesses, and residents.

The new bridge will significantly enhance this corridor, benefiting multiple states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. By improving efficiency and reliability, the project will support smoother movement of freight and promote regional economic growth. This upgrade ensures the area remains a competitive hub for logistics and trade, bolstering industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and retail.

💵 The Impact On West Tennessee 💵

West Tennessee is poised to see substantial economic benefits from this project. The enhanced transportation efficiency will attract businesses that rely on dependable logistics. With improved freight movement and connectivity, local industries are likely to see reduced costs and increased profitability.

West Tennessee Makes Up Nearly A Quarter Of Tennessee’s $525 Billion Dollar GDP.

Moreover, construction itself will generate significant economic activity, with job creation and contracts benefiting local workers and companies. The long-term economic gains from increased commercial activity are expected to inject millions of dollars annually into the West Tennessee economy.

✨ The Impact On Jackson ✨

For Jackson, the ripple effects of this massive investment are promising. As a growing city strategically located along this improved corridor, Jackson stands to gain from increased traffic flow and business opportunities.

Logistics companies, warehouses, and supporting industries may look to expand operations in the area, bringing jobs and development. Jackson is currently looking to annex more land for the city in the near future but more on that in a different edition. 😅

This enhanced connectivity to major hubs like Memphis and beyond will make Jackson more attractive for businesses and residents alike, creating more growth in tourism, retail, and local enterprises. This historic investment underscores Jackson’s growing importance within the region’s economic ecosystem.

This $800 million bridge project is a pivotal moment for Tennessee and the surrounding states. With construction expected to begin in 2026, the future of West Tennessee will likely be shaped by this project. But what are your thoughts on all of this?

Help us understand your thoughts on this major project by taking our brief poll, followed by your weekly list of curated events! ❤️

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The Kid Zone
This Week’s Curated Events!
Monday, December 16th - Sunday, December 22nd

Monday, December 16th

Photoshoot With Santa 🧑‍🎄
Date: Monday, December 16th
Time: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Location: Old Hickory Mall
Price: (Reservations Preferred But Not Required!)
Additional Details: Visit Santa’s Festive Workshop, Fill Out Your Dear Santa Letter & Finally Take Pictures With Santa Himself!

Tuesday, December 17th

Season Of Light 🔭
Date: Tuesday, December 17th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Wednesday, December 18th

Toddler Open Time 🤸
Date: Wednesday, December 18th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Arrow Athletics
Price: $10
Ages: 5 & Under
Additional Details: Start Your Morning At The Gym With Friends While Your Toddler Plays To Get Some Energy Out As Well!

Thursday, December 19th

Skating With The Grinch 🎁
Date: Thursday, December 19th
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Ritz Magic Wheels
Price: $7.99 (Online) $12.99 (At The Door)
Additional Details: Get Ready To Skate Alongside The Grinch, As We Bring In The Holiday Spirit! Also Enjoy Cookies & Hot Chocolate With Your Purchase.

Friday, December 20th

Christmas Stargazing 💫
Date: Friday, December 20th
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park
Price: (Registration Required)
Additional Details: Head Over To The Museum And Join Us For An Evening Of Christmas With The Stars!

Toddler Open Time 🤸
Date: Friday, December 20th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Arrow Athletics
Price: $10
Ages: 5 & Under
Additional Details: Start Your Morning At The Gym With Friends While Your Toddler Plays To Get Some Energy Out As Well!

Saturday, December 21st

Dragonball Z Hangout Event 🎮️
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Check For Pricing)
Additional Details: Seating Is Limited So Please Book Early. This Event Has A Tiered Pricing Structure, So Register Accordingly.

Family Fun
This Week’s Curated Events!
Monday, December 16th - Sunday, December 22nd

Monday, December 16th

Bingo & Brownies 🟫
Date: Monday, December 16th
Time: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: Entry for Bingo (Free) Brownies & Drink $3

Story Time 📖
Date: Monday, December 16th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free

Pet Photos With Santa 🧑‍🎄
Date: Monday, December 16th
Time: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Location: Old Hickory Mall
Price: (Reservations Preferred But Not Required!)
Additional Details: Bring Your Adorable Pet In For Pictures With Santa!

Tuesday, December 17th

Free Skills Training Recruitment Fair 👷
Date: Tuesday, December 17th
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Event By: The Temperature Control Institute
Additional Details: Are You Interested In A Career In HVAC, Electrical Wiring Or Building Maintenance? This Is The Perfect Event To Jumpstart Your Career!

Photoshoot With Santa 🧑‍🎄
Date: Tuesday, December 17th
Time: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Location: Old Hickory Mall
Price: (Reservations Preferred But Not Required!)
Additional Details: Visit Santa’s Festive Workshop, Fill Out Your Dear Santa Letter & Finally Take Pictures With Santa Himself!

Wednesday, December 18th

Thursday, December 19th

Trivia Night (Christmas Edition) 📇
Date: Thursday, December 19th
Time: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: $5 Entry Fee (Snacks & Drink Included)

Gift Of The Arts 🎶
Date: Thursday, December 19th
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: 545 Lane Ave
Price: Free
Additional Details: Celebrate An Evening With Fun Activities, Festive Treats & Holiday Performances! Come Out & Spread Holiday Cheer At This Free Family Friendly Event!

JMCL Family Game Night 🎲
Date: Thursday, December 19th
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: This Is A Game Night For The Whole Family! Come Play Chess, Checkers, Monopoly, Uno, Catan & So Many Other Fun Games We Have.

Friday, December 20th

Escape Room - Santa’s Getaway Cabin 🧑‍🎄
Date: Friday, December 20th
Time: 4:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Location: 731 Escape
Price: Check For Price (Must Reserve)
Additional Details: This Will Be The Perfect Weekend Getaway To Save Christmas! Help Find Santa’s Magical Key To His Sleigh, Without It Santa Can’t Deliver Christmas Presents!

Saturday, December 21st

Santa Returns To Downtown Jackson 🧑‍🎄
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM & (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Location: City Hall
Price: Free
Additional Details: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town & Will Be Visiting His House In Downtown Jackson!

Saturday Story Time With Santa 🛷
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details:Come On Out To Craft & Sing-A-Long With Meet Old Saint Nick!

The Grinch’s Return To Gigi’s 🎄
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Gigi's Cupcakes
Price: Free Entry (Cupcake Prices Vary)
Additional Details: Come Check Out Our Unique Grinch Inspired Cupcakes & Take Pictures With The Grinch.

Santa Visits Old Country Store 🧑‍🎄
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free

Teen Cuisine 🍪
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Learn How To Make Stovetop Christmas Dips & Cookies, Just In Time For Christmas!

Sunday, December 22nd

Santa Visits Old Country Store 🧑‍🎄
Date: Sunday, December 22nd
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free

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