The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Part of Ted Turner Drive to be closed into 2021

- PAMELA MILLER FOR THE AJC

Atlanta’s Spring Street Viaduct (now Ted Turner Drive) has served the city of Atlanta for 98 years. Built in 1922, the viaduct has been and remains a gateway to downtown Atlanta. It is a major connector for residents, visitors, commuters and businesses. Today, it is a well-traveled route to downtown destinatio­ns, including the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, CNN Center, Phillips Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, Richard B. Russell Federal Building, Martin Luther King Federal Building, Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center and the Castleberr­y Hill, Luckie-Marietta and Fairlie-Poplar neighborho­ods.

After a lengthy life, the bridge, which is structural­ly deficient with advanced steel and concrete deteriorat­ion, requires replacemen­t. Aside from safety factors, replacemen­t will also enhance regional economic developmen­t efforts by improving accessibil­ity and connectivi­ty in the downtown corridor, keeping motorists, transit riders and freight deliveries flowing efficientl­y.

Although much work has been completed, more work is needed. Ted Turner Drive between Mitchell Street and MLK Jr. Dive is temporaril­y closed until the second quarter of 2021 for viaduct replacemen­t work. Lower MLK Jr. Drive is closed during demolition and constructi­on, and Upper MLK Jr. Drive is closed between Forsyth Street and Ted Turner Drive.

The Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center and Richard B. Russell parking garages will remain open and accessible by the existing roadway. The privately operated parking lot located behind the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center, also known as the “Gulch”, will remain open during the Spring Street Viaduct project.

Informatio­n: dot.ga.gov

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