Interstate 85 collapse in Atlanta
Imagery ©2017 TerraMetrics. Map data ©2017 courtesy of Google Maps. Composite graphic illustration by Brian Cohen.

Update: Interstate 85 in Atlanta to Be Open Again Monday Morning

T he elevated portion of Interstate 85 near Piedmont Road in Atlanta which collapsed because of an intense fire back on Thursday, March 30, 2017 will open once again to traffic prior to rush hour on Monday morning, May 15, 2017 — one month sooner than originally expected

…and the northbound lanes may open to traffic as soon as sometime during Saturday; and the southbound lanes may open to traffic sometime during Sunday.

Update: Interstate 85 in Atlanta to Be Open Again Monday Morning

Nathan Deal — who is the governor of Georgia — announced the opening of the northbound and southbound lanes of the elevated section of Interstate 85 at Piedmont Road by Monday, May 15, 2017. Joining him in the announcement were Russell McMurry — who is the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation — as well as other state and local officials.

“While this situation has been a tremendous challenge, the response from the people of Georgia has been nothing less than remarkable,” said Deal. “It is extraordinary that in just six weeks, this critical piece of infrastructure is nearly ready to reopen for motorist use following the fire and bridge collapse.”

This cool video shows a time lapse of the portion of Interstate 85 being rebuilt, which under normal circumstances carries nearly 243,000 vehicles each day. Although the cost to rebuild the bridge was approximately $17 million, the Georgia Department of Transportation estimates approximately $27 million in motorist savings by opening Interstate 85 weeks ahead of original projections.

Summary

This is great news for those who depend on using that portion of Interstate 85 — especially to get to the international airport which serves the greater Atlanta metropolitan area; and especially to travelers who would prefer to drive rather than be passengers aboard an airplane for numerous reasons.

“At the Governor’s urging, we are going to incentivize the completion of this work,” said Marc Mastronardi — who is the director of construction of the Georgia Department of Transportation — according to this article from its official Internet web site. “We have selected a date that we believe is aggressive but attainable and will offer a bonus for early completion.”

The incentive program apparently worked; and it may be used to speed up other road projects around the state of Georgia.

Imagery ©2017 TerraMetrics. Map data ©2017 courtesy of Google Maps. Composite graphic illustration by Brian Cohen.

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