Mayor Andre Dickens, Councilmember Jason Dozier, and the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) hosted the ribbon-cutting of a key corridor linking major business and entertainment hubs in downtown Atlanta.
The Ted Turner Bridge, formerly the Spring Street Bridge, has been shut down for the last seven years, forcing drivers to detour blocks out of the way to get around one block.
Now, the bridge includes a rebuilt viaduct and roadway, extending from the intersection of Mitchell Street SW, situated between the Richard B. Russell Federal Building and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Building, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive SW.
Improvements to the corridor include the widening of the newly constructed Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive viaduct and the new abutment to the Ted Turner SW viaduct, along with the expansion of the approach slab, construction of a retaining wall, and reconstruction of the lower part of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive SW.
This project was delivered in partnership with ATLDOT, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Dickens said the reason everyone is excited about the reopening of the Ted Turner bridge is because “we are all connected in one way or another,
“There are so many businesses, commuters, and residents in this area, we’re all connected,” he said. “We are officially reopening one of the most traveled and historic gateways into downtown Atlanta.”
Dickens says this roadway is now “safer, stronger, and better” connected for everyone moving through downtown Atlanta stations. He also says this project has been in the works for a “long time.”
“This would ease traffic congestion and support long-term mobility,” he said. “This was a bold step in the right direction, and our own going efforts to enhance our downtown area and provide upgrades of Atlanta’s infrastructure.”
Solomon Caviness, Commissioner, Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT), said Ted Turner bridge isn’t just steel and concrete, but it’s the “beating heart” that connects South downtown into the entertainment district.
“There’s so much that went into this project to include widening of crosswalks, including bike lanes and connectivity,” he said. “We wanted to make sure we took advantage of supporting those less fortunate and those who needed us the most, those disabled folks who need crossings, who need sidewalks, who need access. This is for them.”
Canines also says leadership matters as he thanked Dickens and the aid of GDOT.
“This is what love looks like in the city of Atlanta. This is a group project, and it’s more than a piece of infrastructure. It’s a statement and a declaration that Atlanta is growing with purpose and shaping a city where mobility meeting possibility,” he said.
Additionally, Dozier said he was also proud to be a part of this project.
“At the end of the day, for me, it is about ensuring we are continuing the work we started not with this term and administration, but since we put together action plans and more, we can ensure Atlanta continues its path forward of being likeable, most accessible, and most connected city in this country,” he said.