Atlanta's aging bridges face new scrutiny after closure

The latest: Atlanta City Council members will consider legislation on Monday directing the Department of Transportation to identify and rank the 15 bridges most in need of replacement.

• They will also consider expediting the replacement of the Moores Mill Road bridge over Peachtree Creek in Buckhead's Ridgewood Heights neighborhood. The bridge has been closed since Oct. 20 after a water valve failed and led to the collapse of a buttress wall.

Catch up quick: Council member Dustin Hillis told Axios a 67-year-old water valve on a 30-inch water main, which runs underneath the bridge and serves about 20% of the city, failed and began spewing water.

• The Department of Watershed Management initially said the water line was damaged after it was struck by a heavy vehicle.
• The Moores Mill Road bridge was built around 1924, according to council documents.

What they're saying: Hillis told Axios the city hopes to reopen the bridge by Dec. 15, weather permitting.

• Department of Watershed Management crews have also been working overnight to replace the water valve, and contractors have been secured to begin rebuilding the buttress wall, wall wing of the bridge and the stormwater drain, the council member said.
• Hillis told Axios the citywide study of bridges will review how old they are, their roadway span, travel lane widths, if there are safety measures in place for bicyclists and pedestrians, and if they are in a floodplain.
• In his district alone, Hillis said two bridges over Peachtree Creek — on Ridgewood and Bohler roads — are each more than 100 years old and don't have sidewalks.

What's next: Both resolutions will be placed on the Nov. 16 City Council agenda for final approval.