Congressman Urges Tennessee DOT to Fix Elvis Presley Boulevard

Cohen says delays and lack of progress have left Whitehaven residents feeling their community is being treated unfairly.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A photorealistic painting of a large pothole on a dimly lit, shadowy street, conveying a sense of urban decay and community frustration.A pothole-riddled Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis evokes a sense of neglect and frustration among local residents.Memphis Today

Congressman Steve Cohen is pressing the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to fully fund long-overdue repairs to Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis. Cohen pointed to a $40 million redesign announced more than a decade ago, saying delays and lack of progress have left people feeling their community is being treated unfairly.

Why it matters

Elvis Presley Boulevard is a major thoroughfare in the Whitehaven neighborhood of Memphis, home to Graceland and a hub for tourism. The poor condition of the road has frustrated residents and visitors alike, raising concerns about the city's commitment to maintaining infrastructure in this community.

The details

Cohen urged TDOT Commissioner Will Reid to include the necessary funding to complete the long-delayed $40 million redesign project for Elvis Presley Boulevard in the state's 10-year plan. He noted that with 80% of the project's funding coming from federal sources, his office has regularly heard from frustrated residents who expect progress and accountability on the project.

  • More than a decade ago, a $40 million redesign of Elvis Presley Boulevard was announced.
  • In July 2025, local news station Action News 5 spoke with residents who expressed ongoing frustration with the poor road conditions.

The players

Steve Cohen

A U.S. Congressman representing Tennessee's 9th congressional district, which includes Memphis.

Will Reid

The Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

Sybil Presley

A Memphis resident who calls herself the 'Pothole Lady' and has been vocal about the poor condition of Elvis Presley Boulevard.

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What they’re saying

“Because 80 percent of the project's funding is federal, my office regularly hears from frustrated residents who expect progress and accountability. I share their concerns and am deeply invested in ensuring that this project moves forward without further delay.”

— Steve Cohen, U.S. Congressman

“These raggedy conditions on Elvis Presley Boulevard is pitiful. Who wants to bounce up and down on these bumps? You know, look at that street. There's a little tiny hole right there.”

— Sybil Presley, Resident, self-proclaimed 'Pothole Lady'

What’s next

Cohen urged TDOT Commissioner Will Reid to secure the necessary funding to complete the Elvis Presley Boulevard project in the state's 10-year plan, and also requested a clear timeline for the project's completion.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the ongoing challenges many communities face in securing adequate funding and attention for critical infrastructure projects, even in areas with significant tourism and economic importance. The frustration expressed by residents underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency from state transportation agencies.