The new bridge less than two miles south of Cordele replaces one that was built in 1928 and widened in 1955. That bridge did not meet current design standards and it was old and classified as scour critical. Scouring is erosion around a bridge’s foundation that is caused by flowing water.

Construction brings wider shoulders to the bridge and roadway. The bridge is slightly elevated to accommodate sight distance on side streets. After traffic has shifted, the contractor will realign Joe Wright Drive to improve the skew angle of its junction with US 41/SR 7.

The new bridge was built adjacent to the old structure so no detour was required when construction started in October 2023. The total cost of the project is approximately $5.5 million, which includes preliminary engineering, right of way acquisition and construction. The construction contract was awarded to Griffin Grading and Concrete LLC. The old bridge will be removed. Photo: Tony Cravey, CDM Smith.