UPDATE: Bridge over I-285 in Sandy Springs remains closed until summer 2024 due to crash

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Georgia Department of Transportation decided that the Mount Vernon Bridge over I-285 in Sandy Springs will not reopen to vehicular or pedestrians until Summer 2024.

“After a thorough inspection of the Mt. Vernon bridge over I-285, it was determined that five of six beams impacted by the Sept. 27 strike are critically damaged and require replacement. Upon reviewing a timeline for repairs, including material availability, the department determined the Mt. Vernon bridge will not reopen to vehicular or pedestrian traffic,” GDOT said.

All lanes on the top end of the Perimeter reopened after a tractor-trailer hit the bridge early Thursday morning.

Authorities were forced to close I-285 westbound at about 12 p.m. Wednesday when the truck, which was hauling an excavator, clipped the underside of the Mount Vernon Highway overpass, causing pieces of the bridge to fall onto the interstate below, according to officials with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

Most westbound lanes of the interstate remained closed for several hours, causing significant delays for commuters during Wednesday’s afternoon commute.

Bridge inspectors and repair crews worked into the overnight hours, according to GDOT, working to install protective forms to protect I-285 motorists. All lanes of the interstate reopened before 4 a.m.

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