Bridging the gap

The planning and building of the 6,000 foot bridge took two years from start to finish. Construction started with a simple clearing of the land to its completed stage of 4,860 feet of sidewalk and its 220 feet long 40 feet wide massive overpass at completion. The bridge which crosses over South Cobb Drive will cut down on some of the traffic problems at the main gate of Dobbins ARB.

Bridging the gap

Published Nov. 27, 2006
By Master Sgt. P.N. Brown
Public Affairs

DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Like a bridge over troubled water this bridge was built over the troubled traffic area of South Cobb Drive. The new motorway linking Dobbins Air Reserve Base to the Navy/Marine Reserve Center, fitness center and neighboring joint use areas opened here Nov. 9th with an official ribbon cutting ceremony and symbolic drive over.

"The overpass is a great benefit not only for the base, but also for the community," said Col. Heath Nuckolls, 94th Airlift Wing commander, citing traffic, safety, and security issues that the bridge will solve.

The 6,000 foot bridge was two plus years in the planning and making. The first proposals were drafted early in 2003 asking for funding and permission for the project.
Its construction and now opening will allow for safer and more efficient movement of traffic to and from the base and over South Cobb Drive, which is a public highway and has much congestion.

The overpass will also cut considerable travel time along the already congested road and eliminate some of the traffic issues faced at the main gate. It will also provide security to areas that had unsecured gates with separate access. By constructing this bridge it has eliminated the need for the existing gate and has reduced security risks at the base.

It was constructed by a local company, C.W. Matthews Contracting Company, Inc. and has 33 street lights installed which are 400 watt high pressure sodium units. It has 4,860 feet of total sidewalk and is 220 feet long and 40 feet wide including the sidewalk.

The bridge was opened for use on the same day as the ceremony. The existing gate #3 or Gym Road gate was officially closed to all traffic both pedestrian and vehicle. This gate will remain closed, locked and barricaded. In the unlikely event the overpass bridge is ever temporarily closed for any reason the Gym Road gate will serve as the alternative entry point to the north side of the installation.