If you’re looking for a smooth and efficient ride from the eastern suburbs into the heart of Memphis, Tennessee Route 385—also known as the Bill Morris Parkway—offers exactly that. This 15-mile stretch of highway serves as a key commuter and travel route in the Memphis metro area, linking the upscale suburb of Collierville to Interstate 240, just southeast of downtown Memphis. Though officially designated as SR 385, this corridor functions as a limited-access expressway for its entire length, providing an easy, stress-free drive through one of the region’s busiest corridors.
Our journey begins in Collierville, a thriving community known for its historic town square and rapidly growing residential areas. SR 385 starts at the interchange with U.S. Highway 72, right on the southeastern edge of town. From there, the route curves northwest, offering a glimpse of Collierville’s blend of traditional charm and modern development. This part of the drive is flanked by suburban neighborhoods, office parks, and commercial centers—especially near Poplar Avenue and Houston Levee Road. For anyone commuting into Memphis or heading out of town toward North Mississippi, this stretch of SR 385 is a go-to.
As we continue westbound, the parkway widens into multiple lanes in each direction with posted speed limits around 65 mph—making it one of the fastest non-interstate highways in the area. Traffic flows steadily thanks to well-designed interchanges with major surface roads. You’ll pass access points for Winchester Road and Hacks Cross Road, two major east-west routes in southeast Memphis. Each interchange opens up access to commercial centers, shopping corridors, and subdivisions that define this suburban portion of the city. These exits also offer gateways to the Southwind and Hickory Hill neighborhoods, which feature a mix of retail, dining, and residential options.
Toward the western end of the drive, Route 385 intersects with Ridgeway Road and Kirby Parkway before gradually curving northward. Here, the landscape shifts slightly—less suburban sprawl, more established commercial zones and regional medical facilities. Eventually, SR 385 flows seamlessly into Interstate 240, a major beltway that loops around the city. At this point, we stay to the left to merge onto I-240 westbound, where the video—and our ride—comes to a close.
This segment of Tennessee Route 385 isn’t just an efficient connector; it’s part of a larger bypass system originally designed to relieve inner-city traffic and serve Memphis’s ever-expanding suburbs. For daily commuters, weekend travelers, and road enthusiasts alike, the Bill Morris Parkway offers a fast, well-maintained, and visually pleasant drive with convenient access to the heart of Shelby County.
🗺️ Route Map
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