Georgia Department of Transportation Director of Construction Marc Mastronardi provided a status update for the I-85 bridge project, announced the demolition and construction costs and provided an update of the I-85 resurfacing project.

“We are taking advantage of innovative construction technology, like quick curing concrete, to get this roadway open to the public as quickly as possible without jeopardizing safety,” Mastronardi said. “There are a lot of moving parts involved with this project that may affect the end date, but we are impressed with the rate at which work is being done. We are confident this major artery will be open for travel by June 15 at the very latest.”

Construction on the I-85 project is moving at a rapid rate. By the end of the day Tuesday, all 61 beams required will be set, deck spans for five of the six spans will be in place and reinforced steel will have been tied on two of the six deck spans.

As the deck reinforcing steel is completed, construction crews can begin pouring the decks, which will be followed by pouring the concrete barrier sides for both northbound and southbound sides of the roadway. The quick curing concrete being utilized for this project has been used successfully on other high traffic, high impact corridors such as I-20, I-75 and I-285.

Mastronardi also announced the costs for demolition and construction of the bridge is $13.5 million; $1.6 million for demolition and $11.9 million for construction. If construction is completed before the June 15 deadline, up to $3.1 million in incentives will be added to the total cost.

In an effort to minimize the inconvenience to the public, the Georgia DOT is taking advantage of the already closed highway lanes by getting started on the resurfacing of 6.6 miles of I-85 from I-75 to Clairmont Road. Milling of the northbound travel lanes is underway and crews are working to get as much work done as possible before the reopening of I-85 to avoid significant lane closures. Visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

Georgia DOT continues to remind motorists to plan ahead, seek alternative commuting options, allow plenty of time, be patient and always drive alert and keep calm behind the wheel.