New, Lighted Bridge Opens Wednesday in Kennesaw

KENNESAW, GA -- A long-awaited bridge is opening on Wednesday in Kennesaw. The Skip Spann Connector is Cobb County's first lighted bridge, and is hoped to reduce at the I-75 and Chastain Road interchange by 19 percent.

Representing a partnership between Kennesaw State University (KSU), Cobb County Department of Transportation and Georgia Department of Transportation, led by the Town Center CID, the Skip Spann Connector project will provide better access to Town Center at Cobb, KSU and other local destinations.

The project consists of four lanes of new connecting roadway and a 10’ multi-use path on both sides of the bridge, which will enable safer pedestrian and bicycle traffic between the KSU campus, west of I-75, the KSU Sports and Entertainment Park and other area destinations. Raised planters with native shrubbery will act as a barrier between the multi-use paths and the roadway.

The project also realigns TownPark Lane, and adds a roundabout at the intersection of Busbee Drive and TownPark Lane.

KSU students were also instrumental in designing a main element of the lighted bridge. Three local universities held a contest calling for students to submit their design ideas. The winner: a metal structure that reflects the iconic shape of the Kennesaw Mountains found nearby and in the KSU logo that will be incorporated into the bridge railing.

This project was named after a figure who inspired change in the county and the state. Skip Spann was a key influence in developing the Town Center CID, which has completed dozens of infrastructure enhancements to create one of the larger employment and shopping/entertainment destinations in Cobb County. Skip was also a main force behind the foundation of KSU’s athletic program.

Under Spann's guidance, the Town Center CID leveraged approximately $27 million into $106 million in local, state and federal funding for projects benefiting the entire Town Center area.