“If you build it, they will come” — the famous line from Field of Dreams — is becoming more of a reality for Braves fans with the approval of a new bridge design that will connect the Cobb Galleria to the ball park.
SunTrust Park, home of the new Braves stadium in Cobb county, is underway with an opening date of April 2017. Since their announcement two years ago, construction has been moving along at a steady pace. You can view this video time lapse to see their progress.
After a delay from last year, the Cobb County commissioners approved a plan to build a pedestrian bridge over I-285 so people can get to and from SunTrust Park with a 5 to 0 vote. The cost of the project is estimated at $10 million. The bridge, which will be 32 feet wide,will ensure that pedestrians will have a safe and efficient way to travel to The Battery Atlanta and SunTrust Park.
There has been some controversy calling this an expensive bridge to nowhere, but really, it’s a bridge to what we call “Forced Family Fun!” I can see my teens and their friends driving to these games for a wholesome activity, parking at the Galleria and walking over. To me, this brings peace of mind knowing my kids can easily safely arrive.
The Cumberland Community Improvement District has pledged half of the money for the bridge project. The other half would come from a $4.5 million federal grant that officials are hoping to obtain. The Atlanta Braves organization would pitch in about $400 thousand. The AJC has some other details on the history of the bridge developments with a video of the bridge design showing both buses transporting people and pedestrians walking.
Now, if SunTrust Park, the new Northwest Corridor Toll lanes and the bridge all open around the same time – that will be a Braves victory for sure leaving both old and new fans cheering!
Check out the restaurants planning to come to the area, too.
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