Behind-the-scenes progress is being made on finishing the golf cart bridge that spans the CSX Railroad tracks parallel to Ga. Highway 54, officials reported this week.

Recently the city was notified by the Georgia Department of Transportation that it could proceed with right-of-way acquisition on the project, which is the next step in the process, said City Manager Bernie McMullen. After that, the city will need to get its construction drawings approved by DOT before work can begin.

The bridge itself was finished in September 2006 as part of the road widening project for Hwy. 54. But the city has lacked DOT approval to build the cart path approaches on either end of the bridge, which include tunnels underneath the highway so it can be “crossed” safely by golf carts, pedestrians and other path users.

The tunnels were built by DOT as part of the highway widening project at the request of the city.

Much of the initial holdup was to a DOT review of whether or not the bridge would negatively impact air quality, city officials said. Ironically, the cart path system is widely recognized for improving air quality by encouraging residents to walk or drive their golf carts or bikes instead of driving in their cars for short trips.

Another facet of the holdup was a personnel change at Moreland Altobelli, a private engineering firm that is doing engineering review work on DOT’s behalf, city officials have said.

The city initially planned to have the bridge open for use this past April. The delay has not been the fault of the city, McMullen has previously said.

The city has already compiled an archeological study and historical evaluation of the site.

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