bridge safety

Published on: May 28, 2022

Construction Work on Accident-Prone Georgia Interchange to Begin Soon

Anyone who has driven on the highways in the Atlanta area knows that construction and changes in traffic patterns are never ending. Not only is there a maze of highways in the Atlanta area but the connecting points of the various highways are also always being shifted one way of another.

The interchange at interstate 285 and interstate 20 East is one of the busiest interchanges in the state, and has been a particularly dangerous one for motorists. It’s one of the deadliest junctions in Georgia, and responsible for causing hundreds of accidents every year. However, if plans to fix this particular piece of roadway are successful, the rate of deadly accidents at this interchange could soon be minimized.

The design of this junction creates a sort of optical illusion that does not warn drivers about the steep curve that lies ahead until it is possibly too late to stop. These hazards have been responsible for causing a large number of accidents over the years. In fact, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation between 2016 and 2021, there were a total of 3,000 motor vehicle accidents occurring at the interchange. These accidents resulted in more than 110 deaths.

Published on: July 22, 2010

New Bridge at Mitchell Street In Atlanta Underway

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

For years, Mitchell Street Bridge had been a vital part of Atlanta transportation, helping commuters get to downtown Atlanta and all the sights there.The bridge, which had been built in 1924, has become weak and structurally deficient over the years.Local budgets allowed for little money to repair the bridge.In 2008, the bridge was shut down for traffic.This week, the bridge was demolished in preparation for a new bridge replacing the old one. Not only will the new bridge make it easier for commuters in Atlanta to get across town, but it will also create new employment opportunities.

The bridge is being paid for by money from the federal stimulus funds.The total cost of construction is estimated to be around $8.8 million.Construction is expected to be completed by May 2012.The new bridge project is part of an estimated 300 construction projects that have already begun, or are expected to soon begin, across the state of Georgia.All these projects will be funded by money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.Georgia has approximately $900,000,000 in federal stimulus funds already in its kitty.Not only will the new bridge make it easier for commuters in Atlanta to get across town, but it will also create new employment opportunities.

We definitely need more such measures not only to alleviate the stress of congestion on our streets, but also to facilitate easier and safer access to the city for all Atlanta’s residents.We need to relieve congestion in a safe manner, and the new bridge will do exactly that- provide a vital connection for Atlantans and a safe means of transport.

Published on: October 30, 2009

Safety Experts Warn of Bridge Collapse

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Safety Experts Warn of Bridge Collapse Risks

Experts are unanimous – many of the country’s bridges are old, and in severe need of repairs.As Georgia personal injury lawyers, we are concerned about the fact that so many of our bridges are considered “structurally deficient “or “functionally obsolete.”.

The warning about our bridges comes after an incident on the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, in which pieces of steel and a cross beam snapped off the bridge, and fell on to the upper deck. The incident resulted in minor injuries to one motorist. However, the potential for serious injuries was great, considering that the incident happened during rush hour on the bridge. The pieces of steel were part of repairs that had been conducted on the bridge over the Labor Day weekend. Questions are being asked about how the repair job fell apart so soon.

Published on: September 23, 2009

Most of Georgia’s Fatalities from Flooding-related Accidents

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Most of Georgia’s Fatalities From Flooding-Related Accidents

Nine people have been confirmed dead in flash floods that swept through much of north Georgia, including the metro Atlanta area. Most of these deaths occurred when cars were swept away.

After severe flooding on Monday, the Georgia Department of Transportation closed down several bridges, roads and highways across the state. Many of these have now been reopened, and the weather is expected to clear soon.Several roads across the state in Bartow, Douglas, Paulding, Catoosa, Walker and Dooly Counties were closed down, and these have since been reopened.Schools were closed on Tuesday in several school districts, including Atlanta, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb and Fulton.

Published on: February 5, 2008

Accidents Likely as Bridge Inspection Reports Faked

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Today’s Atlanta Journal Constitution front-page article provides a shocking revelation from the Department of Transportation.A twenty-nine year employee charged with inspecting state bridges faked his reports since last fall.Falsified inspection reports could suggest that faulty bridges are safe. A bridge collapse could lead to serious personal injuries or even death for the occupants of vehicles.

The two-man inspection team fell behind in their work, partly because one team member took off a good deal of time from work last year.Rather than own up to missing a deadline, they falsified reports.Not apparently the swiftest, the team claimed to have inspected 18 bridges in one day, which caught the attention of a supervisor.The DOT reports it will send out a new team to inspect the 54 bridges affected by the employee lying scandal.

Bridges are inspected at two-year intervals.However, bridges deemed critical may get an annual inspection.Valid DOT inspection reports show that one in five Georgia bridges are in need of repair or new design.Georgia spends about $100 million a year on bridge maintenance, but claims it needs $2.5 billion to rebuild deficient bridges.