I-85 Collapse: State Offers Incentives To Finish Rebuild By May 21

ATLANTA, GA -- On Wednesday, Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry announced the state is close to inking a final agreement to expedite the rebuild of Interstate 85 at Piedmont Road in midtown Atlanta.

The state has awarded Marietta-based C.W. Matthews Contracting Company with the contract to rebuild that stretch of the interstate due to its "availability, resources and expertise."

It was the same company that provided GDOT with a similar response when a tanker fire damaged a segment of I-285 over S.R. 400 in Sandy Springs in 2001.

“We are pleased to award the contract to a Georgia-based company that has continued to do exceptional work for Georgia DOT and the people of Georgia over the years,” McMurry said. “In addition, at the direction of Governor Deal, we have incorporated early completion incentives into this agreement, similar to those that are often offered in the private sector.”

The state will offer C.W. Matthews incentives exceeding a $1 million to complete the rebuild before June 15.

If completed by May 25, the company will receive an additional $1.5 million. If completed by May 21, they will receive $2 million and an additional $200,000 for each day completed before May 21; up to a maximum of $3.1 million.

I-85 is one of the main arteries through metro Atlanta. Due to the significant impact the road closure has on people’s lives and businesses, Georgia DOT is focused on opening I-85 as quickly as possible, McMurry said.

The Department has made significant progress in less than two weeks – from demolition to removal of debris, engineering and design of the bridge, contract negotiations and now the rebuilding. To date, progress at the construction site includes:

• All 13 columns that support the bridge structure have been poured.
• Pouring of concrete for the bridge caps (located on top of the columns) is underway.
• One-third of the 61 beams needed have been cast.

Georgia DOT continues to remind motorists to plan ahead, seek alternative commuting options, allow plenty of time, be patient and always drive alert and keep calm behind the wheel.

Image via Patch