City of Atlanta to begin Cheshire Bridge demolition week of Nov. 8

ATLANTA—The City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) announced utility relocation work is complete on the fire-damaged Cheshire Bridge over South Fork Peachtree Creek, clearing the way for demolition work to begin the week of Nov. 8.

The bridge was closed to traffic in August after a fire severely compromised safety for traffic. A demolition contractor was selected in late September and vendors have been working to move power, water, gas, cable and phone lines off the bridge and around the construction zone.

Investigative demolition work—as well as bridge sidewalk and overhang removal—will then take place, with major demolition scheduled to begin this week.

“We are grateful for the patience and continued support of the local community in the face of the tremendous inconvenience caused by the Cheshire Bridge closure,” said ATLDOT Commissioner Josh Rowan. “Issues encountered during the utility relocation process have delayed the start of demolition, but work should progress well from this point.”

The designated contractor will work seven days a week on a 24-hour-a-day schedule to complete the demolition. This aggressive schedule will ensure the safety of the public, while preparing the bridge for construction in 2022, officials said.

“We are currently preparing a bid package for design and construction and expect to have a contractor on board soon after demolition is complete,” Rowan said. “We remain committed to getting the bridge demolished and replaced as safely and quickly as possible.”