285 bridge to Braves stadium in Cobb nearly halfway complete

Update Jan. 12, 2017:

The bridge over Interstate 285 leading to the new Braves stadium is 45 percent complete and still on track to be operational by first pitch on April 14, according to Cobb Transportation Director Jim Wilgus.

Wilgus said $4.1 million has been spent on construction so far. The total cost of the bridge, including design, will reach about $12 million.

This week, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners voted to expedite work on the bridge to make up for time lost to a legal challenge by Cobb Galleria tenants and businesses. Another lawsuit has been filed challenging the county's use of SPLOST funds.

That work order increases the cost by $450,000 to be funded through the county by an additional contribution by the Cumberland Community Improvement District.

Original story Jan. 13, 2017:

The bridge over Interstate 285, connecting SunTrust Park to the county’s convention and performing arts centers, will be a concrete structure with brick paving, decorative lighting, benches and aluminum panels on the sides that will reduce noise and eliminate the view of the interstate.

Cobb commissioners — and the public — got their first view of the bridge Tuesday with an animated video that is just over one minute long.

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