Interstate 22

Interstate 22 (I-22) is a relatively new addition to the U.S. Interstate Highway System, serving as a key connector between Memphis, Tennessee, and Birmingham, Alabama. Spanning approximately 202 miles, I-22 follows the general path of U.S. Route 78, offering a controlled-access alternative through northern Mississippi and northwestern Alabama. This route enhances regional mobility and freight efficiency by directly linking two major economic hubs in the Southeast.

Beginning just southwest of Birmingham, Alabama, at the I-65 interchange near the suburb of Fultondale, Interstate 22 heads northwest through rolling terrain and rural landscapes. The highway intersects with U.S. Highways 78 and 278, weaving through towns like Jasper and Hamilton. Upon entering Mississippi, the road continues through Tupelo, a city rich in Elvis Presley history, before reaching its western terminus at I-269 near Byhalia—just outside of Memphis, Tennessee. Though I-22 currently ends at I-269, long-range plans propose extending it further into the Memphis metro area to directly connect with I-240 or I-40.

Interstate 22 was designated under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU) in 2004 and received official Interstate signage in the 2010s after meeting federal design standards. Before its upgrade, much of the route functioned as U.S. 78, a heavily used corridor in the region. The completion of I-22 was viewed as a vital infrastructure improvement, promoting economic development, easing congestion on nearby corridors, and improving safety for motorists and freight carriers alike.