TDOT Moves to Accelerate Improvements on Elvis Presley Boulevard (SR 3/US 51)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is increasing its oversight and coordination with the City of Memphis to address conditions and support progress on Elvis Presley Boulevard (SR 3/US 51), a high-profile state route currently under construction as part of a locally managed project.

TDOT Commissioner Will Reid directly engaged Memphis Mayor Paul Young, and the two leaders are aligned on the need for a more urgent, coordinated approach to improve roadway conditions and reset the project's path forward.

"This is a critical corridor, and the current conditions do not reflect the level of safety and quality we expect on Tennessee's state highway system," said Commissioner Reid. "While the project is administered locally, TDOT has a responsibility to ensure that work on state routes aligns with our standards, and we are reinforcing our oversight to help keep this project on track."

Elvis Presley Boulevard (SR 3/US 51) is a multi-year, multi-phase project to refresh a signature roadway in Memphis. The first phase, the northern segment from Winchester Road to Brooks Road, was completed in 2021. The second and current phase, from Craft Road to Winchester Road, is currently under construction with an estimated completion date of Fall 2027. The third and final phase, the southern segment from Shelby Road to Craft Road, is programmed for funding in TDOT's 10 Year Plan with a targeted construction award in 2031. However, if the city completes engineering and right-of-way acquisition for this phase prior to 2031, TDOT is able to advance funding for construction to an earlier year.

TDOT is actively coordinating with the City of Memphis and the project team, including the contractor and construction engineering and inspection staff, to support near-term improvements and reinforce expectations, including:

• Advancing paving operations to restore a safe driving surface
• Strengthening traffic control and ensuring it meets required standards
• Improving coordination and communication among project partners
• Establishing a clear path forward to maintain consistent progress

Motorists should expect to see increased construction activity and visible improvements in the coming days.

TDOT will continue to collaborate with city leadership and project partners to help ensure the project progresses in a manner that meets established standards and serves the traveling public.

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