Connector Redux - Plans w/ serious impact to the face of Atlanta **Lots of pics** (peachtree, town)

[TripTychTwo]

Originally Posted by residinghere2007

So they are going to make another plan...

It seems they are always making and re-making these plans.

ETA: If they want to do this, why don't they phase out the actual work. Development plans are usually good for 3-5 years unless there have been environmental changes that require review. This whole competition just looks like a big waste of time and money to me. Not meaning to be negative, but really, it looks like there were already comprehensive plans done. They should be moving toward mobilization instead of going back to the planning phase. Also, there is so much improvement needed in Atlanta in regards to GDOT controlled roads/highways. The areas highlighted in the original plan are pretty enough IMO. GDOT should look at improving the other roads/highways that are more in need of beautification in the area.

I disagree. A strategic plan was created in 2012. The first phase of the project is completed; securing funding for the two Peachtree bridges renovations. The next steps is the project implementation. The overall strategic vision just provides a high level view of the continuous project. This RFP is for the next phase, which is the renovation of Courtland and 10th street bridges. Once this RFP is complete, they will secure funding and implement.

So what exactly are you complaining about? You want them to implement the entire strategic vision in one, large, overarching project?

[coolieandre]

It's about time. I hope if they landscape they use mature trees. Nohing like a nice aged look with grown trees and the lights from the overpasses illuminating

[residinghere2007]

Originally Posted by TripTychTwo

I disagree. A strategic plan was created in 2012. The first phase of the project is completed; securing funding for the two Peachtree bridges renovations. The next steps is the project implementation. The overall strategic vision just provides a high level view of the continuous project. This RFP is for the next phase, which is the renovation of Courtland and 10th street bridges. Once this RFP is complete, they will secure funding and implement.

So what exactly are you complaining about? You want them to implement the entire strategic vision in one, large, overarching project?

Not complaining but the RFP states that they are bidding for "conceptual design proposals." Per the RFP document they already have a design so it is silly to bid for conceptual designs when you already have a design in place.

They should be bidding implementation. The first page of the RFP state this is "competition for conceptual design proposals" so IMO it is a waste of time and resources.

I work in procurement/contract management and usually when you have a strategic plan created, you take that plan then iimplement it, not go back out and seek proposals for a design that you already have. You should have already solidified your design plan with your current A/E firm.

ETA: To be technical, they could have saved the tax payers for the GDOT portion money if they would have awarded the strategic planning portion to a master developer of this project. That way they could have bid out the work and done the phases without the need for more public bidding, which is costly and time consuming. I am well aware of how phased developments work. The first phase is complete. The second phase is the first part of implementation, which should include getting a contractor awarded the work and starting to get all the environmental reviews/etc. completed if need (this should have been done in the first phase though but sometimes conditions change that warrant a re-visit of environmental concerns).

[jsvh]

Pretty New Bridges are Coming to the Connector Soon - Aesthetic Upgrades - Curbed Atlanta

Relief is on the way for Connector commuters who think Atlanta's bridges are just too blah. Construction bidding will begin this fall for projects that should spiff up two Peachtree Street bridges over the Connector — one in Midtown near Brookwood, the other downtown — and provide what officials hope is an impressive gateway into the heart of ATL. The projects should also boost the bridges' appeal for pedestrians and cyclists, bringing new sidewalks, landscaping and fencing. Funding is in the bag, project design is complete, and Central Atlanta Progress says construction should commence in early 2015. They offer this preview: "The design enhancements include the construction of monumental arches that will be visible from the interstate, will span over the sidewalks atop the bridge and will be lit at night."

CAP stresses that enhancing the two Peachtree Street bridges is merely the beginning. The broader vision goes like this: "Over several years, the Connector Transformation Project aims to improve additional bridges, and to positively impact the development of parcels and structures surrounding the Connector. The project will re-imagine the interstate's concrete retaining walls and nondescript overpasses with visually appealing creations that will encourage motorists to take a pit stop and explore what lies beyond the exterior of the Connector to experience the true Atlanta." Right on.

Last week, CAP issued requests for proposals from consultants/firms/teams who can provide the right kind of public relations for the broader Connector project. (They're sounding fairly serious about making this happen). Next up: a competition.

In May, the "Atlanta Bridgescape Design Competition" will coincide with a major architect convention in town. The contest will seek a broad range of concept design submissions for two more Connector bridges: The 10th Street bridge in Midtown, and one at Courtland Street/Ralph McGill Boulevard downtown. Let's just hope that Florida-bound Midwesterners can keep at least one eye on the road.

[cwkimbro]

Originally Posted by jsvh

Pretty New Bridges are Coming to the Connector Soon - Aesthetic Upgrades - Curbed Atlanta

[Psykomonkee]

Very beautiful ideas... Now, let's see it get done instead of talking about it for 10 years

[jsvh]

Push to Beautify Connector Bridges is now a Competition - Aesthetic Upgrades - Curbed Atlanta

[jsvh]

Finalists announced: Finalists selected for Midtown, Downtown bridge competition - Atlanta INtown Paper

Atlanta Bridgescape Competition

[tikigod311]

Thanks for the update!

That is one wacky bridge on 10th. Wow. Not sure how I feel about it. It does look like a cutway of the typical terrain of metro Atlanta, which is very cool.

[sedimenjerry]

Not sure if the bridge should be super flashy. Last thing we need is people slowing down on the freeway just to gawk at a bridge