Clarks Bridge Road reopened to traffic Friday morning. (Photo courtesy of DOT's Teri Pope)
GAINESVILLE - As of 8:45 a.m. Friday, Clarks Bridge Road near the Lake Lanier Olympic Center was reopened to traffic after being closed for construction for almost two months.<br />
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"Crews worked late last night and were on the project at daybreak today to finish the necessary work. E.R. Snell, our prime contractor has already opened Clarks Bridge Road, one day ahead of the contract deadline," said Harold Mull, Georgia DOT District Construction Engineer.<br />
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On May 27, SR 284 was closed for construction of the pedestrian tunnel under the roadway. The grade of SR 284 was raised by 3 feet to accommodate the new concrete tunnel. The tunnel is 10 feet wide, 8 feet high and 63.12 feet long. <br />
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The pedestrian tunnel is not open for use yet, according to DOT. To complete the pedestrian access, two retaining walls must be built at each end of the tunnel. Sidewalks can then be poured to connect the tunnel to the parking areas and beach or building. These are concrete elements that must be poured, cure then be tested before the next section of concrete can be added. Then crews will run electricity and the install the lighting fixtures inside the tunnel. <br />
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Th $8.7 million construction project is targeted for completion December 31, 2015.<br />
