It looks like the Atlanta Braves will indeed be getting their bridge to somewhere. After more than a year of discussion and revision, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the final design of the pedestrian bridge that will connect Suntrust Stadium to Cobb Galleria on the other side of Interstate 285, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The plan has drawn tremendous criticism over not-so minor details of funding, parking disputes and shuttling.
The estimated cost of the bridge, which doesn't include any externalities like additional work on the Galleria parking deck, has been pegged at $9.85 million. However, after everything is added up, the end cost will probably reach past $14 million (if it stays within budget!). In keeping with Atlanta's passion for stadium welfare, the Braves will pay less than four percent — just $380,000 — of the new bridge construction. On top of their tithe, the Cobb Community Improvement District will put up $5 million, and the other $4.5 million is expected to come from Federal Transit Administration grants.
Back in September, the bridge plan hit a major hitch as the authority that own Cobb Galleria seemed firmly opposed to a stadium parking grab that might push out visitors and business owners. A vote on the design was put on hold until County Chairman Tim Lee could put everyone at ease. Now, construction is expected to start as early as April with the hope that the bridge will be finished in time for opening day of the 2017 season.
· Cobb approves design for bridge over I-285 to Braves' stadium [Biz Chron]
· Design for Braves Bridge Unveiled in Flashy Video [Curbed]
· With $5 Million in Play, Braves Bridge Could be a Go [Curbed]
·Vital Bridge Project for Braves Stadium Could be Doomed [Curbed]
· New Braves Bridge will Totally Solve all Traffic Concerns [Curbed]
Loading comments...