Friday, May 23, 2003

Riverdale road reopens

Hartsfield officials announce that one of the roads closed and re-routed to accommodate construction of the fifth runway last August is anticipated to re-open to traffic today.

Motorists who travel north on Riverdale Road in the direction of Interstate-285 and north on Ga. Highway 314 (also known as West Fayetteville Road) toward Hartsfield Airport, will notice shifts in the traffic patterns.

In essence, the new relocated stretch of Riverdale Road will border the new runway.

"One key aspect to this expansion is that none of the cost is borne by Georgia taxpayers. The entire cost of these projects is paid by either the users of the airport through ticket taxes and passenger facility charges or by bonds guaranteed by revenues generated at the Airport," said Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.

"As we move forward with preparations for this complex runway project, we appreciate the patience that motorists have exhibited during encounters with construction crews and directional signage. Our goal was to have a smooth transition for motorists," said Aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta.

The new road will feature two lanes in each direction separated by a grass median. Street lights and bicycle paths are an added feature of the relocated highway, which is approximately two miles long.