Functions & Responsibilities

The primary focus of the Roads, Bridges, and Engineering Department is to promote an efficient and safe transportation system for all types of modes of travel within the jurisdiction of the Shelby County government.

Providing Safe, Efficient Transportation

Shelby County road construction has been an integral part of local government’s initiative to improve transportation infrastructure since the early 1800s. In May 1820, road construction was the first act imposed by the Shelby County government because of its vital role in improving safe, efficient, and effective public commuting services.

Presently, the Roads, Bridges, and Engineering Department is accountable for the construction, improvement, and maintenance of approximately 800 miles of road network, 14,000 drainage structures, and 180 bridges. It also develops and manages topographic informational databases (shapefile format) of Shelby County’s infrastructures for public and private (cost incurred) use. Additionally, the Roads, Bridges and Engineering Department is accountable for the following:

• Roadway maintenance and vegetation control along 800 linear miles of roads.
• Roadside litter removal.
• Routine maintenance and inspection of 180 bridges.
• Maintenance of drainage systems and water quality protection.
• Dead animal pickup and disposal.
• Emergency response to windstorms, snow and ice events, and other weather related or man-made disasters.

Note: This department is funded primarily through gasoline taxes collected by the State of Tennessee.

Reporting Road Damage / Obstruction

To report road damage, obstructions such as potholes, or debris affecting unincorporated roadways and other situations within the Roads and Bridges Department’s jurisdiction, please complete our online Report a Concern or contact the Mayor's Action Center at (901) 222-2300.

FEMA Public Notice

Holiday Hours: Closed
Monday, January 2, 2023 New Year's Day,
Monday, January 16, 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Day,
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial,

Friday, April 7, 2023 Good Friday,
Monday, May 29, 2023 Memorial Day,

Monday, June 19, 2023 Juneteenth,
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 Independence Day, 
Monday, September 4, 2023 Labor Day,
Friday, November 10, 2023 Veterans Day Remembrance, 

Thursday & Friday, November 23-24, 2023 Thanksgiving Holiday, 
Monday & Tuesday, December 25-26, 2023 Christmas Holiday.