Detour dilemma: Neighbors frustrated repairs have closed bridge for months

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — A detour dilemma in the city of South Fulton has people there frustrated and demanding answers.

The bridge on Cascade Road near New Hope Road and Fulton Industrial has been closed for repairs.

Neighbors told Channel 2's Audrey Washington drivers are always turning around and finding a detour since it shut down in July.

"It's a long detour. It adds at least 20 to 30 minutes to your commute," Cleve Godfrey said.

"It's been closed way too long," Deborah McKenzie said.

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Neighbors also said the bridge is always in need of a fix.

"That bridge, it goes out, every few years," Godfrey said.

While the area sits blocked off, drivers have to follow the designated detour and some cut through the subdivision.

"Speeding. Speeding through the neighborhood and things like that. It's just created a real inconvenience," McKenzie said.

Washington checked the city of South Fulton website to find out when the repairs will be done and the area back open to traffic. There was no completion date posted.

"I would like for it to be done correctly, so we don't have to deal with this every few years," Godfrey said.

Channel 2 Action News received this statement from the City of South Fulton:

"The safety of our residents is our primary concern which is why Cascade Road near New Hope Road was closed. The City of South Fulton's Public Works Department continues to work diligently with the engineering firm to finalize the design for the bridge replacement on Cascade Road.

The department has begun work which includes conducting a preliminary field plan review, and the finalization of the right of way plans to start with the needed right of way acquisition. The City will continue working with engineers to ensure construction can begin as soon as authorized, until that time the structure must remain closed for the safety of residents."

Cox Media Group