Collapsed bridge in Atlanta to reopen by late May

ATLANTA – State officials say a collapsed interstate bridge in the heart of Atlanta that’s being rebuilt will be reopened weeks earlier than expected.

Local news organizations report the Georgia Department of Transportation said Monday the new section of Interstate 85 will be opened before the Memorial Day weekend. Officials initially pledged a June 15 completion date after the bridge collapsed on March 30 following a massive fire.

GDOT officials said reconstruction of the bridge will cost up to $16.6 million. The federal government is expected to pay 90 per cent of the cost.

GDOT construction director Marc Mastronardi says the estimate includes $3.1 million in incentives for a contractor to complete the work before June 15, though it must conclude the project by mid-May to earn the full amount.

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Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com