ATLANTA — A construction project that started in December 2023 has been extended -- meaning a part of Cheshire Bridge Road will remain closed even longer.
Businesses near the area tell 11Alive they're not only losing customers and money but also their patience. Samroni Samroni is the owner of Sam's Hair Salon, which is very close to the construction.
"My customers, sometimes, think that we are closed," Samroni said.
But the only thing that's closed is the bridge. And Samroni said it confuses his clients.
"It's too much to handle," Samroni said. "And then, they just cancel the appointment."
As a result, instead of cutting hair, Samroni's business is getting a big chop.
"We lost about 40 to 50% of the business," Samroni said.
Atlanta's Department of Transportation released this statement about the continued construction:
"The Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) apologizes for the continued closure due to structural repairs to the bridge over the CSX railroad on Cheshire Bridge Road NE. Project progress has been delayed by property access negotiations, site preparation, required document approvals, and inclement weather. We understand the urgency of restoring access to this road for the community and stakeholders. Our goal is to complete construction quickly, with safety as the highest priority."
A little further down the road is an apartment complex. Jamarquis Frazier is a property manager there and said the project has been a hassle.
"It's been the worst," Frazier said. "Like, just going down to midtown. It's like taking 20 minutes when I used to take only, like, seven minutes."
Frazier said the construction isn't just detouring traffic but also prospective tenants who are constantly asking questions.
"'How long [has it] been closed?' And, 'I don't think I want to stay over this way. What happened?'" Frazier said.
Atlanta City Councilman Alex Wan shared the following statement for residents expressing their frustration with the project:
"Well, this is not the news I had hoped to be able to give to you today, but as I have, I’ll continue keeping you informed as frequently as I can throughout this entire project.
Atlanta Department of Transportation just released this project update, which now pushes delivery dates into May. The administration knows my/our frustration with the pace (or lack thereof) with the repair. Please know I am keeping the pressure on COO and project managers practically daily, as well also directly with the utility companies on their relocation work, which is what we are still waiting on before our construction contractor can begin.
If you would like to share your thoughts with the administration, I welcome you to email atldot@atlantaga.gov, and please copy me at awan@atlantaga.gov so that I can compile them and relay them to the administration."
But Samroni said, for him, that isn't going to cut it. He wants the construction to end.
"People from City of Atlanta, do they really care about us? For the...especially the small businesses," Samroni continued. "Fix the bridge as soon as possible. That's all I really want."
The new target completion date is May 27. ATL DOT also said construction will take place 24/7 for the duration of the project. The project will be delivered using a design-build model to shorten construction duration. The project scope will include the repair of one span of the bridge rather than a full replacement.