I-85 bridge on target to reopen this weekend, contractor says

The section of 1-85 that collapsed in late March because of fire should be ready for drivers this weekend.

WSB-TV Atlanta reports that the president of contractor C.W. Matthews said the northbound bridge on I-85 should reopen late Friday or Saturday unless weather causes a delay. The Georgia Department of Transportation promptly began rebuilding the Fulton County bridge after the March 30 collapse, but it was initially not expected to reopen until June.

Earlier this week Gov. Nathan Deal said Monday was the new target date. Transportation officials attempted to quell any concerns about the quick turnaround.

“Absolutely it is safe, in fact, we've had at least 10 inspectors a day totaling some 2,500 man hours of inspection starting throughout the entire process," GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry told WSB-TV.

The early completion date also triggers a $3.1 million bonus for contractor C.W. Matthews.

This story was originally published May 12, 2017 at 2:51 PM with the headline "I-85 bridge on target to reopen this weekend, contractor says."