Shortly after today's newsletter went out, we received this important update from Councilmember Wan's office regarding the Piedmont Road closure affecting Pelham and Montgomery Ferry.We had to share the news!
Two lanes have reopened – one going in each direction!
From Councilmember Wan: APD has been included in my communications with city officials since 5:30 a.m. Monday morning. Even the Zone 2 Commander was not aware of who moved the barricades.
Here is what I now know after continuing to chase the City COO, ATL DOT Commissioner, and the Southern Company Gas representative:
- An AT&T utility pole was struck by lightning, causing the downed wires.
- Either AT&T or APD moved the barricades to ensure everyone's safety until the wires could be repaired. That's apparently why ATL DOT and AGL didn't know about it.
- The sewer line repair work has been completed, so that won't hold anything up.
AT&T is still working on its repairs. Both Southern Company/Atlanta Gas Light and I are leaning hard on our contacts there get a more definitive timeline and to accelerate their work. As soon as that's complete, we will be able to open everything back up.
I share everyone's frustration on this situation, particularly at how poorly the city departments are unaware of each other's activities - or even with those working in our right-of-way. I mentioned this specifically to the COO when I met face-to-face with her Tuesday as part of my dogging this matter.
Some lanes on Piedmont have finally been reopened. I'll keep the pressure on AGL and AT&T to finish up their stuff so that it's only the gas line work that remains in that stretch. (The encouraging news is that the overall gas line project is apparently ahead of schedule. I'm waiting for more info on that.)
Best,
Alex Wan | District 6
Atlanta City Council | 55 Trinity Ave., SW, Suite 2900 | Atlanta, GA 30303
Office 404.330.6049 | awan@atlantaga.gov
