This interstate was started in the early 80s.
Yep. Started as a rebuild of the Pississippi portion of US 78. Which was upgraded at that time to Interstate standards for the most part with proper interchanges and signage. If memory serves, Congress did not give clearance for I-22 until somewhere around 2006. Of course Alabama US78 was still in full 1940 standards until Congressional approval, so it is just now being finished.
Me, I am sad to see another motorcycle friendly highway gone the way of the Dodo bird. I hope both states will continue to maintain US 78. Nice ride from Memphis through Tupelo to Birmingham in order to go to Barber Motorcycle Museum and Motorsports park.
Thank God we did the main parts expeditiously back in the 50s and 60s. There would be no hope today.