I-85 bridge construction update: The beams have arrived
Since a fire led to the collapse of a segment of I-85 in Buckhead March 30, the Georgia Department of Transportation has scrambled to reopen the vital stretch of highway into the heart of Atlanta. Here’s the latest construction update on a project that affects hundreds of thousands of commuters.
RELATED: State offers $3.1 million to finish bridge early
The work: Contractor C.W. Matthews is rebuilding 350 feet of northbound and 350 feet of southbound lanes on I-85. GDOT has set a target completion date of June 15, but has provided financial incentives for the company to finish by May 21 or May 25.
What's done: The contractor completed demolition of the old bridge and began building a new one within a few days of its collapse. One of the first steps was shoring up the existing 13 bridge columns; that work was completed last week.
What's the latest: GDOT Construction Director Marc Mastronardi said 20 of the 61 beams needed to support the bridge deck should be in place by Monday night.
What's next: The remaining bridge beams should be delivered by early next week. Mastronardi said GDOT's target completion date of June 15 remains "very achievable."
About the Author
David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.
