Mitchell Street bridge closed, deemed unsafe

UPDATE: A city spokesperson said in a phone interview that the bridge is showing signs of “major deterioration and section loss.”

Just arrived from the City of Atlanta Department of Public Works. (Emphasis added.)

Effective immediately, Mitchell Street between Northside Drive and Spring Street will be closed to all traffic. This closure will remain in effect until further notice.

The Department of Public Works’ Office of Transportation and Georgia Department of Transportation are responsible for the maintenance and inspection of the Mitchell Street Bridge and will close the affected area this afternoon. An inspection of the bridge revealed that it is in need of replacement and has been deemed unsafe for vehicular traffic at this time. “We will do everything we can to minimize the impact and inconvenience of this closure; however the safety of those who travel on our roadways is our priority,” said Sandra Jennings, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Transportation.

The Department of Public Works suggests the following detour route: Northside Drive to McDaniel Street to Peters Street to Spring Street to Mitchell Street.

When a lobbyist recently told me we need to invest in infrastructure, he wasn’t kidding.