Hermi’s Bridge is a one of a kind steel truss bridge built in 1903. Due to its age and current condition, the bridge will need major restoration to prolong its life.
Hermi’s bridge was the original bridge on Paces Ferry Road over the Chattahoochee River until the new one was constructed in early 1972. Mrs. Hermione Alexander championed the effort to keep this bridge from being torn down and converted to its current use as a pedestrian bridge, parallel to the new bridge. When Ms. Alexander was killed by a drunk driver in 1984, the bridge was named for her at her husband Cecil Alexander’s request. Today Cecil Alexander is championing the effort to rehabilitate this historic bridge.
This major renovation is being funded by a Federal grant and SPLOST funds with assistance from the City of Atlanta and the PATH Foundation. Additional private donations have helped fund this project, including a donation from the Lovett School. Through this partnership, construction will include stripping the bridge of its current lead-based paint and repainting, replacing sections of worn out decking and railings as well as fortification of the existing piers.
May 2010 Update
Construction began in July 2009, however delays due to flooding and recurring water elevation have postponed the scheduled completion date. Currently waiting on water levels in Chattahoochee to lower so work can be done on center pier in river. That work is estimated to take 3 weeks after river level subsides. After that, County forces will be installing the new decking and railing for the bridge. Bridge is anticipated to be open for use by the end July 2010.
It’s quite fitting that Mr. Alexander is supportive of this bridge and his wife memory in maintaining it. Learn more about him and his impact in Georgia history.
