The original Pio Nono Avenue Bridge, built in 1976, and the original College Street Bridge – a historic structure at over 125 years in age – served as key connectors to state ports for rail freight. Yet both required upgrades to better accommodate train movement and weight. The Georgia Department of Transportation provided a solution that saved time and money due to the Design-Build method, which helped complete the project ahead of schedule and increased safety – all while providing the community with an opportunity to learn more about the historic College Street Bridge. Georgia DOT worked with the community and local historians to preserve the bricks, which are now part of a monument detailing its history at a nearby park. A design-build approach allowed for faster construction of those bridge upgrades while providing necessary connections to retail and nearby Mercer University. Both bridges opened in 2020, allowing for future growth while keeping the community connected to its history.
America's Transportation Awards 