ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation advises that the 14th Street bridge will close at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 27. The bridge is expected to reopen 18 months after the closure.
The bridge will be closed between Fowler and Williams streets. Motorists traveling east or west over the Downtown Connector should use 17th, 10th or 5th streets or North Avenue as alternate routes.
In preparation for closing the bridge, Georgia DOT previously reduced Williams Street to a single lane between 10th and 16th streets and closed Techwood Drive between 16th and 10th streets. Those detours will remain in place through the duration of the project, expected to be completed in spring 2010.
- I-85 southbound ramp to 14th and 10th streets is closed.
- Motorists should exit I-85 at 17th Street (Exit 84) and utilize the 17th Street bridge to Spring Street to access Midtown and locations west of I-75/85.
- I-75 southbound ramp to 14th and 10th streets from Exit 250 is closed.
- Motorists should exit I-75 at Northside Drive (Exit 252) and turn left onto 17th, 10th or 5th streets or North Avenue to access Midtown.
These closures are a necessary part of the ongoing project to relieve congestion at the 14th Street interchange. The bridge replacement project also features two new exit ramps from the interstate; southbound to 10th Street and northbound to 17th Street. The estimated cost of the project is $88.5 million.
Motorists should be aware that this closure is only one of several traffic adjustments and street closings required to complete the construction work. This work is expected to significantly impact traffic congestion in Midtown.
Traffic delays throughout Downtown, especially in Midtown are to be expected. Commuters should seriously consider mass transit, car or van pooling, and flexible work schedules. Motorists should allow additional travel time and/or choose alternate routes during these construction projects. For information on commuting alternatives, contact The Clean Air Campaign at www.cleanaircampaign.com/
Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).