The city of Marietta is nearing completion of a project worth approximately $3.8 million to improve Kennesaw Avenue, and when complete, upgrades will include repaving Kennesaw Avenue, new gutters, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water lines, consolidated overhead power lines, gas line and a new bridge over Noses Creek.

The road reopened August 7 after the bridge replacement and base coat of paving were finished, just in time for the first day of school for Marietta students. Work on additional improvements will continue through August.

“Construction on the curbs, sidewalks, final paving, storm drain and water lines is scheduled to be complete by Labor Day, but could extend until October,” Marietta Public Works director Dan Conn said. Replacement of the gutters and gas line is expected to be complete early next year. Work on electrical and communication lines will continue through the summer of 2010.

The city’s Public Works Department and Marietta Power and Water have done a heck of a job coordinating many subcontractors and getting this massive job done in fewer than three months,” Mayor Bill Dunaway said.

“The project was originally scheduled to be completed in a year, but the city’s contractor, CW Matthews, wanted to make sure the work was finished in three months,” Marietta engineer Jim Wilgus said.

The bridge and roadway improvements are funded by the special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) that voters approved in 2005 to fund local transportation improvements.

Marietta’s transportation system, which places a high premium on the quality of life of city residents, is a goal City Council established as part of Marietta’s vision statement.

For more information, call Marietta’s Public Works Department at 770-794-5650.

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We first reported to you back in June that the Kennesaw Avenue Bridge Project was underway and getting started. In an effort by the State to enhance the terrible bridge located near the intersection of Tower Road and Kennesaw Avenue, the project is coming along nicely. They’ve made some great progress as you can see from the picture above and it’s scheduled for completion by the time school starts later this summer.

My question is this for everyone – has the bridge being closed changed your driving habits and route? Obviously it has, but will you go back to your ‘normal’ route once they reopen the bridge or will you continue using your new found route to work, etc.?