Drivers on the connector will now be able to easily identify Peachtree Street as the whiz down Interstates 75 and 85.
Giant letters spelling “Peachtree” have been installed on the bridge spanning the thoroughfare between Ralph McGill Boulevard and Pine Street. The signage will glow at night to add a marquee symbol for Atlanta’s central heart, boosters say.
“It’s both to recreate the pedestrian experience across Peachtree, but also make it interesting for the 400,000 or so cars that are coming under Peachtree Street as they pass through our city,” A.J. Robinson, president of downtown development group Central Atlanta Progress, said Thursday during a ceremony for the project.
Several of Atlanta’s bridges are being targeted for makeovers as leaders from the city, state and philanthropic groups hope to boost Atlanta’s aesthetics to match booming growth in population and housing and business development.
The $1.7 million “Peachtree” project was brought together by the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, the Georgia Department of Transportation, the city of Atlanta and the Woodruff Foundation.
While drivers will see the lights aglow at night, pedestrians crossing the bridge will see different iconic buildings, people and places emblazoned in each letter.
Russell McMurry, commissioner for GDOT, said funds for the project came from fees collected from businesses buying space on the so-called “gas, food and lodging” signage installed near Interstate exits.
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