BUFORD — The Georgia Department of Transportation announced that they have opened up the new Flowery Branch Bridge Road that goes over Interstate 85 near the Gwinnett/Hall county line.

The bridge which was a part of Phase 1 of the I-85 Widening Project was closed for 165 days while construction on the new bridge was taking place. The new Flowery Branch Bridge Road replaces the old bridge which was over 50 years old.

The I-85 Widening Project, Phase 1 is the first Major Mobility Investment Project (MMIP) to break ground.  According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the I-85 Widening, Phase 1 project is close to being complete with an estimated completion coming in the third quarter of 2020.

— Staff Reports