Double decker Braves bridge is under design

The double-decker bridge over Interstate 285, linking the Galleria area to the SunTrust Park and the Braves stadium and mixed-use development area is from now on the design stage by a Los-Angeles based firm. The firm was selected by the Cobb County commission, among four candidates, submitting their qualifications for the design of the bridge.

Based on Cobb County's request, the 1,100 foot long Braves double-decker bridge will provide a connection between the new Atlanta Braves stadium and Galleria area via bus on the top and a pedestrian walkway on the bottom. The County expects the bridge to be complete by 2017, offering a 2% bonus to the engineering design firm if final design is complete and construction bids are ready open by October. Total cost for the design is budgeted at $750,000, however final cost may easily exceed that figure, given the $100,000 spent in excess for consulting-related work. 

The particular version of the Braves bridge is the latest among a series of plans that have been periodically announced and the County still has no exact estimate on the total cost or the funding sources.