Oglethorpe Boulevard Bridge Replacement Reaches Halfway Mark

The four-lane bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic this summer after being closed since July 2025.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Oglethorpe Boulevard Bridge in Albany, Georgia, which has been closed since July 2025 for a demolish-and-replace project, has reached the halfway mark in construction. The new bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic this summer, though the full project will not be completed by that time. The closure has caused significant traffic congestion in the area, as the Broad Avenue bridge is the only other option for crossing the Flint River downtown.

Why it matters

The Oglethorpe Boulevard Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure, serving as the main link between east Albany and the downtown area. Its closure has led to increased traffic and congestion, underscoring the importance of maintaining and upgrading the city's bridge network.

The details

The bridge replacement project involves drilling caissons, which are watertight structures used to work on the bridge foundations. So far, 9 of the 16 caissons have been drilled. Construction has been impacted by restrictions on underwater work due to mussel breeding season, as well as recent cold weather that prevented concrete pouring. Once the caissons are completed, workers will start building the bridge columns and installing the bridge caps.

  • The bridge has been closed since July 22, 2025, when the demolish-and-replace project began.
  • The new bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic this summer.

The players

Bruce Maples

Albany Assistant City Manager

Juanita Birmingham

Georgia Department of Transportation spokesperson

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What they’re saying

“Once the concrete is poured, it should go up pretty fast.”

— Bruce Maples, Albany Assistant City Manager (albanyherald.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This bridge replacement project is a critical infrastructure upgrade for Albany, as the Oglethorpe Boulevard Bridge is a vital link for the city's transportation network. The ongoing construction and eventual reopening of the bridge will have a significant impact on traffic patterns and congestion in the area.