By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | August 1, 2025
After seven long years, a major artery in the heart of Atlanta is open once again. City leaders gathered on July 31 to officially reopen the Ted Turner Bridge—formerly known as the Spring Street Bridge—marking a milestone in downtown’s transformation and infrastructure renewal.
With a ceremonial ribbon cutting, Mayor Andre Dickens, Councilmember Jason Dozier, and Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) Commissioner Solomon Caviness celebrated the long-awaited reopening of the bridge, which connects Forsyth Street and Ted Turner Drive between Mitchell Street SW and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW.
“This was a bold step in the right direction,” said Mayor Dickens. “We’re enhancing our downtown area and making vital upgrades to Atlanta’s infrastructure.”
A New Bridge for a New Era
Originally closed due to severe erosion and aging infrastructure, the Ted Turner Bridge has undergone a complete transformation. Major upgrades include:
- Rebuilt viaduct and roadway
- Widened sidewalks and crosswalks
- New bike lanes and ADA accessibility
- A new retaining wall and a stronger approach slab
- Reconstruction of the lower Martin Luther King Jr. Drive section
The bridge, which sits almost adjacent to the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Building, once forced drivers to detour several blocks to navigate around a single closed block. Now, with wider sidewalks, improved accessibility, and refreshed road surfaces, it provides a smoother and more inclusive journey.
Reconnecting a City
Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) Commissioner Solomon Caviness called the bridge “a vital connection” between South Downtown and Atlanta’s entertainment district, including Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the future Centennial Yards development.
“This opening isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about love for our city,” said Caviness. “Love should look like something. And today, it looks like the Ted Turner Bridge.”
The improvements aim to reduce traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, while supporting pedestrian, bike, and vehicle mobility in one of the city’s most active corridors.
More Than Just a Bridge
The reopening also carries symbolic weight. Officials described the Ted Turner Bridge as a metaphor for the city’s rebirth—“between old bricks and shiny glass,” where Atlanta’s historic character meets its modern skyline.
“Closed for nearly eight years, this bridge now re-weaves Atlanta’s past and future,” said one city official. “It connects locals, first-timers, and long-timers alike—whether they’re walking, biking, or driving—through the heart of our booming downtown.”
The project was made possible through a joint effort by ATLDOT, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
A City Ready for the World
The reopened bridge will play a crucial role in easing traffic during major upcoming events, including the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Super Bowl. This is a moment of excitement and anticipation for our city, as we prepare to showcase our vibrant community to the world.
Stacey Key, a member of the GDOT Board, noted, “These projects are often daunting and take years of planning and execution. But GDOT and ATLDOT are strong partners, preparing the city for one of the most inclusive and widely watched World Cups ever.”
Key added, “The GDOT and ATLDOT are united in ensuring safe and efficient travel across the state and in showcasing Atlanta as not only one of the greatest cities in the nation, but in the world.”
Looking Ahead
From stadium-goers attending an Atlanta Falcons or Atlanta United game to families strolling through downtown or grabbing a bite at Subs & Salads Junction—an area staple for nearly 30 years—the bridge’s reopening brings renewed life to a once-silent corridor.
As Councilmember Jason Dozier summed up at the ceremony, “This is more than a bridge—it’s a reconnection. A reinvestment. A reminder that Atlanta moves forward by coming back together.”
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