Pedestrian Bridge To Connect Duluth And Johns Creek

DULUTH, GA - The dilapidated, yet historic Rogers Bridge that connects Fulton and Gwinnett counties is getting a new look.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with Fulton County and the cities of Duluth and Johns Creek recently to fund the new project.

This agreement allows for a pedestrian bridge that will cross the Chattahoochee River, according to a Gwinnett County release. The new bridge will look very similar to the old one, said Alisa Williams with the city of Duluth.

Rogers Bridge was constructed in 1912 by Roanoke Bridge Company based out of Roanoke, Va., according to HistoricBridges.org. The bridge hasn't been used for vehicle traffic in more than 30 years.

Each partner will contribute an estimated $350,000 in funds toward the construction of the project. This meets the matching requirements from the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Atlanta Regional Commission.

The city of Duluth is managing the project, which is in the preliminary engineering phase. Construction on the new bridge is expected to start in 2020.

The Pin-Connected Pennsylvania thru truss bridge is 228 feet long. It is also the longest span bridge of that design in the State of Georgia, according to the Johns Creek Post in 2018 . The entire bridge retains most of its original design, except for the deck or road surface, which was removed.

A 48″ diameter water pipe was installed across the bridge in the 1980’s as an emergency line between Gwinnett and Fulton counties, according to the Johns Creek Post.

“This pedestrian bridge will connect two counties and two cities," said Gwinnett District 1 Commissioner Jace Brooksand, and "augment the recreation opportunities available to individuals and families in those communities."

The new pedestrian bridge will connect Rogers Bridge Park on the Duluth side, and a Multi-Use trail and future Cauley Creek Park on the Johns Creek, side.

Most bridges in the area are for motor vehicles, so there is little opportunity to watch the river and abundant wildlife - making the historic bridge a rare treasure, officials said. The new bridge will continue to offer that luxury.