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SB 1192

Highways, Roads and Bridges - As introduced, requires the department of transportation to study the development of a new bridge crossing the Mississippi River and connecting to Arkansas. - Amends TCA Title 54.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

Tennessee DOT must study feasibility of new Mississippi River bridge to Arkansas, requiring environmental and engineering analysis without yet authorizing construction or funding.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Transportation and Safety Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1192

Legislative bill overview

SB 1192 mandates that Tennessee's Department of Transportation conduct a feasibility study for constructing a new bridge across the Mississippi River with a connection to Arkansas. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 54 (transportation law) to formalize this study requirement without appropriating funds or authorizing construction.

Why is this important

Mississippi River crossings are critical infrastructure that affect regional commerce, traffic flow, and economic development. A new bridge could alleviate congestion on existing crossings, facilitate trade between Tennessee and Arkansas, and potentially spur development in border regions—but would also represent a significant capital expense requiring federal coordination and environmental review.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: The bill requires a study but doesn't specify funding or timeline, leaving unclear who pays for feasibility analysis and eventual construction
  • Federal coordination: Mississippi River crossing projects require U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits and likely federal highway funding, giving Tennessee limited unilateral control
  • Location and impact: The bill doesn't specify which river location, meaning the study scope is undefined and could affect different communities differently (environmental, property, traffic impacts vary significantly by location)
  • Priority over other projects: Resources devoted to studying new crossings may compete with funding for maintaining or improving existing bridge infrastructure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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