Mitchell Street Bridge to be replaced

The Mitchell Street Bridge in downtown Atlanta will finally go under the knife.  The state Department of Transportation, which closed the bridge in March because of its condition, has awarded a contract to replace the bridge to Archer Western Contractors, for $8.3 million.  It should be completed by August 31, 2012.

The bridge, over the Norfolk Southern railroad, had a sufficiency rating of 2 out of 100.  Anything below 50 generally calls for repair or replacement.  According to a DOT statement, inspectors observed heavy construction trucks using the bridge, and then recommended its closure.