Q: After all the rain we have had over the last several weeks, how long will it take our saturated ground to return to a normal state?

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Q: After all the rain we have had over the last several weeks, how long will it take our saturated ground to return to a normal state? — David Stone, Powder Springs

A: We are now in the cool season recharge period when evaporation and plant water use is at a minimum, said state climatologist David Emory Stooksbury.

February and March are typically very wet, which adds more moisture. Until the plants break winter dormancy and begin rapid growth, the soil will remain wet.

“I don’t see a major drying of the soils until the middle of April,” he said, adding that the timing will depend on how wet April and May are.

Typically following an El Niño winter, from the middle of April through early summer is drier than normal, he said.

Q: What is the status of the bridge on Peachtree-Dunwoody Road past Windsor Parkway? It has been out since the floods. — Lois Hertz, Atlanta

A: Work on the new Peachtree-Dunwoody Road bridge over Nancy Creek has been under way since the first week of November. Massana Construction won the Georgia Department of Transportation bid to replace the bridge. The project is expected to be complete in mid-April, said Judy Parker, media and communications director for Sandy Springs.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).