Historic Chattahoochee River Bridge to Reopen for Bike and Pedestrian Traffic

Nov. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- Cobb County is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the refurbishment of Hermi’s Bridge, a landmark structure on the Chattahoochee River at 4199 Paces Ferry Road. The ceremony will be held Tuesday, November 23, at 9:30 a.m.



The effort to restore the old road bridge – which sits next to modern Paces Ferry Road – was spearheaded by Atlanta architect Cecil Alexander as a tribute to his wife, Hermione Alexander, who died in 1983.  Cecil, who is 92, will help cut the ribbon and welcome guests at the event.



Hermi’s bridge was named after Hermione, who was an advocate of saving the bridge decades ago.  Hermione persuaded Cobb County not to demolish the bridge when the existing Paces Ferry Road bridge was constructed.



Cobb County, the City of Atlanta, PATH Foundation and Lovett School –with the assistance of Cecil Alexander – worked to provide funding to bring the bridge up to bike and pedestrian standards.  The project included removal of lead paint, with a special wrap to keep paint chips from falling into the river.  The bridge was repainted, and PATH Foundation helped Cobb DOT link the structure to nearby Woodland Brook Road and Lovett School.



“Preserving the bridge is a great credit to Cobb County, the City of Atlanta and those who financially supported the project,” Cecil Alexander said. “The engineers had a tough challenge on this project and they did a fine job.”

Parking for the event is available at Canoe restaurant, 4199 Paces Ferry Road.

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About PATH Foundation:

PATH Foundation is a nonprofit group that has developed trails for recreation and commuting since 1991. PATH has completed more than 160 miles of trails in Georgia, including Arabia Mountain, Chastain Park, Freedom Park, Lionel Hampton, Northwest Atlanta, South Decatur Trolley, Stone Mountain, The Silver Comet and Westside. PATH plans to build more than 100 additional miles of trails during the next 20 years. PATH Foundation can be reached at 404 875-7284 or via www.pathfoundation.org.