DOT approves contract for new Clarks Bridge

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Transportation Monday approved a contract for the construction of a new $8.7 million bridge across Lake Lanier at the Olympic Rowing venue in Gainesville.

The bridge project on State Route 284/Clarks Bridge Roadwill be done by E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc., of Snellville. Work should begin this spring or early summer, according to the DOT. The bridge will replace the current structure, built in 1958, with two motor vehicle lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks and an adjacent pedestrian tunnel to allow rowers to safely carry boats from one side of the road to the other.

The existing bridge will remain in place until the new half-mile span opens, scheduled to occur at the end of 2015.

"This project is more than a bridge for vehicles, it is a multi-modal structure," Georgia DOT Northeast Georgia District Engineer Bayne Smith said.

"It will provide for motor vehicle traffic, cyclists and pedestrians with the addition of bike lanes, sidewalks and a pedestrian culvert. It will benefit our community and tourists who attend events held at the Rowing Center."

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/2/257938