According to a press release issued by the City of South Fulton, a closed section of Cascade Road is one step closer to reopening. City officials approved a contract today to replace a culvert under the highway at South Utoy Creek to improve traffic flow.
City council members signed off on a $1.3 million bid from AM Construction of Newnan, Ga. The contract calls for work to start in the next couple of weeks and be completed in late November or earlier December, depending on the time needed to relocate utility lines.
“Residents have been more than patient with the process,” said Councilwoman Dr. Catherine Foster Rowell. “We will all be excited when the road opens up this fall.”
As part of the project, crews will lengthen the existing culvert under Cascade Road to allow for a wider road shoulder and the addition of 6-foot sidewalks. The wider footprint required the acquisition of extra right-of-way, which has added time to the project.
“This construction allows us the opportunity to make improvements that provide for better vehicle and pedestrian flow through the area,” said Antonio Valenzuela, the city’s director of public works. “With work approved to begin, we will proceed with construction in a timely manner.”
The culvert was closed to through traffic in July 2019. The city accepted a $1.2 million grant from the state in December 2019 to assist in the completion of this and other projects.
According to BridgeReports.com, the bridge at Cascade Road over Branch of Utoy Creek has wavered between fair and poor condition since 1990, with the culvert condition being rated at a five out of 10 for most years, and a rating of four in 2011 again in 2017. The bridge was built in 1951.
The closure of the road has created challenges for residents in the area, and created additional traffic on adjacent streets.
“I am excited to see significant movement forward on the Cascade Road project and look forward to its completion,” said Mayor William “Bill” Edwards. “I fully understand residents’ concerns about the extra travel time required by detours that are in place. I appreciate their patience and cooperation and ensure them we are doing everything possible to complete this project.”