LULA — Personnel from Norfolk Southern and its contractors began work this week on the iconic railroad overpass in Lula.
"We're tickled," said City Manager Dennis Bergin. "Norfolk Southern is like any other business. They've got to coordinate it and plan it, and we all may be a little frustrated it took a little longer to plan and coordinate, but they're here now and we're confident that at the end of the day the community will be served."
Officials believe the Cobb Street bridge location is about 83 years old, Bergin has said.
"They're making some significant changes to the bridge that will actually enhance the amount of tonnage that we can put on it," Bergin said.
That includes increasing the weight limit from three tons to five tons for the overpass that connects Main Street (Old Cornelia Highway) with Wall Street near the Lula Depot.
Bergin credits the Georgia Department of Transportation, Congressman Doug Collins and his staff and Norfolk Southern officials with coming to an agreement for the benefit of Lula and surrounding residents.
"The timeline to complete that I think will be prior to the end of the year," Bergin said. "It may happen sooner rather than later, but we're encouraged that everybody is here and on board."
