Interstate 155: Dyersburg, Tennessee to Hayti, Missouri [Revisited]

Interstate 155 is one of the few east-west spur routes in the Interstate Highway System that crosses a major river and a state line without extending into a metropolitan hub. Spanning just 27 miles, I-155 connects Dyersburg, Tennessee, with Hayti, Missouri—two relatively small communities tied together by a vital link across the Mississippi River. While short in distance, this stretch of interstate plays a critical role in connecting west Tennessee with the Missouri Bootheel and beyond, especially for travelers heading to I-55 or U.S. 412.

We begin our journey at the eastern terminus of I-155 in Dyersburg, Tennessee, where it meets U.S. Highway 51. The city of Dyersburg serves as a regional hub for northwest Tennessee and provides the last major services before crossing into Missouri. As we head west, the first interchange we encounter is with TN-78, which leads north toward Ridgely and the Reelfoot Lake area—a notable detour if you’re into nature watching, fishing, or just relaxing by a scenic lake. After clearing the outskirts of Dyersburg, we enter the flat floodplain terrain that characterizes this portion of the Mississippi Valley.

Approaching the TN-181 interchange, the route begins to curve northwest in preparation for the bridge crossing. This segment is worth mentioning not just for the roadway itself, but for the landscape that surrounds it. To the north lies the Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, and to the south is the Mississippi River itself. As we cross the I-155 Bridge—officially the Caruthersville Bridge—we’re treated to sweeping views of the river and its surrounding wetlands. It’s one of only a handful of interstate-standard Mississippi River crossings between Memphis and St. Louis, making it an important corridor for commercial traffic and long-haul travelers alike.

On the Missouri side, I-155 immediately enters the town of Caruthersville, though the interstate skirts around it. At the MO-84 interchange, travelers can exit to head into downtown Caruthersville or connect to the local road network. The town is home to a riverboat casino and has a strong agricultural economy rooted in the surrounding flatlands. Continuing northwest, the landscape doesn’t change much—still rural, still flat, but with a certain charm that defines much of the Missouri Bootheel.

Our drive concludes at the interchange with Interstate 55 just south of Hayti, Missouri. This is the western terminus of I-155, where the route transitions into U.S. Highway 412, continuing westward across the state. This junction is a key connection point for drivers heading north toward St. Louis or south toward Memphis via I-55. Hayti itself is just a short drive north on I-55 and offers basic traveler amenities like fuel and food, but this interchange really serves as a pivotal node in the regional transportation grid more than a destination in its own right.

All in all, the 27 miles from Dyersburg to Hayti may not seem like much, but the route is both scenic and strategic. Whether you’re crossing the Mississippi River, exploring the backroads of the Bootheel, or just making a beeline toward your next major junction, I-155 offers a smooth, well-maintained path with just enough character to make the drive memorable.

Original Footage:
Part 1: https://youtu.be/qOzQxPSDIV8
Part 2: https://youtu.be/Lfv8Brpx7VA