The Sidney Lanier Bridge
Frequently Asked Questions
What will be the name of the new bridge?
As required by Georgia law all bridge replacements must keep the name of the original bridge. Therefore the name will not change.
How high will the bridge be at its highest point?
The highest point on the roadway will be at the center of the main span where the road will be 203.295 feet above sea level. The
highest point on the bridge is the top of the two towers which are
each 480 feet above sea level.(from Mrs. Burger's class, Harbins
Elementary. Dacula, Georgia)
How long is the bridge?
From start to finish, the bridge is 7,780 feet long. The main span distance between towers is 1,250 feet.(from Mrs. Burger's class, Harbins Elementary. Dacula, Georgia)
When was construction started and when will it end?
Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony in July 1995.
As of September 2002 the tentative opening date for the new bridge is the first part of 2003. The old bridge
will be removed some time after that.
How wide is the bridge?
The bridge will have two lanes of traffic in each direction separated by a median barrier down the middle of the bridge. The lanes are 12 feet each. There will be an 8 foot shoulder along the outside of the bridge and a 2 foot shoulder on the inside. So each side is 34 feet gutter to gutter. With the barriers added in the total width of the bridge is 73 feet 9 inches wide. (from Randy Cannon, South Carolina DOT)
What will you do if a cable needs to be fixed?
The bridge has enough reserve strength that any cable can be removed without affecting the serviceability of the bridge. In other words when a cable needs to be fixed it can be taken out and worked on and the bridge can still be open to traffic. (from Kenny Burton, Georgia DOT)
Please include a diagram showing the approach to Jekyll Island Causeway. This is a real concern to the Jekyll Island residents.
The new intersection will be greatly simplified over the current one. The proposed "T" intersection will eliminate the numerous intersections, weaves, and conflict points that currently exist. It is felt that this new arrangement will provide the safest possible solution while at the same time maximizing flow through the intersection. At this time, the new "T" intersection does not warrant a traffic signal. However, future changes in vehicular volume, traffic patterns, etc., may require a reevaluation of the intersection. See a diagram of the intersection showing existing roadway in white and new roadway in blue. (from Thelma M. Carolan, Jekyll Island)
Can you send me the plans for the bridge?
There are several hundred sheets for the bridge and, in general, it is not practical to send plans for the whole bridge (though other state DOT's might want them if they are building a similar bridge).
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Updated March 05, 2003. 16:48
© 2003-2007 Georgia Department of Transportation
