Oglethorpe Boulevard Bridge to Open Dec. 11
The new Flint River crossing in Albany replaces a 1953 bridge and is scheduled to open after a construction pause tied to mussel removal.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Will the new Oglethorpe Bridge open to traffic on December 11, 2026?
The Georgia Department of Transportation has set Dec. 11 as the opening date for a new bridge carrying Oglethorpe Boulevard over the Flint River in downtown Albany. The crossing replaces a structure built in 1953 and was delayed earlier this year when crews had to remove mussels from the project area.
Why it matters
The old bridge was designed for lighter vehicles than those commonly driven today and had an unknown foundation, raising concerns about its vulnerability to scour. The replacement gives Albany drivers a wider crossing with dedicated pedestrian and bicycle space.
The new crossing carries four travel lanes and includes a 12-foot shared-use path on the south side, replacing a bridge built in 1953. The source does not detail the project's total cost or whether the Dec. 11 opening date is confirmed beyond the state's summer update.
The players
Georgia Department of Transportation
The state agency overseeing the design and construction of the Oglethorpe Boulevard bridge replacement in Albany.
The details
The bridge carries Oglethorpe Boulevard, U.S. 82 Business and State Route 520 Business over the Flint River in Dougherty County. The west end is wider than the east end to accommodate turn lanes for Front Street traffic.
Timeline
1953: Original crossing built.
Earlier this year: Construction halted after mussel removal.
End of September: Expected completion per GDOT summer update.
Dec. 11: Scheduled opening of the new bridge.
Roadmap
The Oglethorpe Boulevard bridge replaces a crossing built in 1953 that was designed for lighter vehicles than today's traffic. The new four-lane structure with pedestrian and bicycle facilities follows that older design with a crossing sized for modern use.
Drivers on Oglethorpe Boulevard will gain a wider four-lane crossing over the Flint River when it opens. Pedestrians and cyclists will have a 12-foot shared-use path on the south side of the bridge.
The takeaway
The Oglethorpe Boulevard bridge is set to open Dec. 11, bringing a wider crossing and separate pedestrian space to downtown Albany. Commuters should plan for the new traffic pattern once it opens.
What happens next
The bridge is scheduled to open to traffic on Dec. 11, 2026.
Further reading
Track other Openings & Closings news in Albany as new projects come online.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Walb.
Live Poll
Will the new Oglethorpe Bridge open to traffic on December 11, 2026?
