Councilmembers want a higher Moores Mill bridge—with no piers in the creek

Four Atlanta councilmembers want engineers to test a replacement for the Moores Mill Road bridge over Peachtree Creek: a higher crossing with sidewalks on both sides and no support piers standing in the creek.⁠[1]

Resolution 26-R-4342, sponsored by Dustin Hillis, Mary Norwood, Matt Westmoreland and Eshe’ Collins, asks the mayor to direct the Atlanta Department of Transportation to study the replacement. The City Council referred it to the Transportation Committee without objection Nov. 2; consideration is scheduled for Nov. 9. That referral was not approval to build a bridge.⁠[1]

The concept would replace the roughly 181-foot crossing with a single span about 250 feet long and 45–50 feet wide. The road would rise approximately three to five feet, subject to engineering analysis. It would have two 11-foot vehicle lanes, sidewalks on both sides and a north sidewalk designed to shared-use standards.⁠[1]

Sponsors describe a bridge built around 1924 in the Ridgewood Heights and Margaret Mitchell neighborhoods, with piers that catch trees, branches and other debris during heavy rain. Their resolution cites repeated flood-related overtopping and closures, including flooding in 2025, as well as a damage-related bridge and roadway closure Oct. 20, 2026. The packet does not establish whether the crossing has since reopened.⁠[1]

A higher, pier-free crossing is a concept to evaluate—not a demonstrated cure for flooding. The requested study would model floodwater elevations, debris, erosion around bridge foundations and upstream and downstream effects, including a 100-year flood event. Engineers would determine the elevation needed to reduce or eliminate water flowing over the crossing.⁠[1]

The work would also examine water and sewer mains along the existing span, utility relocation, land requirements, environmental permits and how to maintain traffic during construction. The resolution seeks construction estimates, funding options and a project schedule; it does not supply a construction price or opening date.⁠[1]

If adopted, the resolution would request a preliminary report to the council through its Transportation Committee, and to the chief operating officer, within 120 days. That report would identify initial engineering findings, next steps, study and design costs, and possible funding sources—not mark a deadline for replacing the bridge.⁠[1]

The Transportation Committee meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 9. Its agenda includes a public-comment period with three minutes per speaker.⁠[1]