Atlanta, GA

How the I-95 collapse compares to I-85 collapse in Atlanta six years ago

Published

11 months ago

June 13, 2023

How the I-95 collapse compares to I-85 collapse in Atlanta six years ago

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Engineers are busy creating a plan to get the collapsed portion of I-95 rebuilt as quickly as possible.

Giving people hope is a similar incident in Atlanta six years ago, when crews were able to make repairs in less than two months.

The fiery bridge collapse toppled a portion of I-85 in 2017, shutting the overpass down completely.

Investigators say a homeless man sparked the intense blaze after intentionally setting a chair on fire and subsequently igniting combustible materials stored under the highway.

Crews work on a section of an overpass that collapsed from a large fire on Interstate 85 in Atlanta, Friday, March 31, 2017.

(AP Photo/David Goldman)

Engineers say neither collapse was due to infrastructure issues, but a result of extreme heat.

“We design stuff to be reliable and this is odd and unreliable. It’s happened in the past. But if you consider bridge fires that happened, compare it to a home fire or building fire, there’s way, way, less of those,” said Andrew Bechtel, a civil engineering professor at The College of New Jersey.

SEE ALSO: Officials: Driver lost control of tanker before fire, I-95 collapse

Given the size of the I-95 collapse and damage, Professor Bechtel expects the repairs to take much longer than Atlanta.

“They have to remove everything that’s there. Look at what’s left — that’s months,” said Prof. Bechtel. “Every bridge is essentially custom made, brought to the site and constructed. And I-95 is a big road that carries heavy traffic.”

Crews have been working around the clock, inspecting and then demolishing the damaged stretch of road while engineers are designing its replacement.

Many drivers say avoiding the mess is impossible.

Crews work to remove the damaged overpass on the southbound lanes of I-95 on June 12, 2023.

“You don’t realize how much that cripples the city, you really really don’t,” said Ruth Acker of Bridesburg.

Officials say it could take months to repair both the northbound and southbound lanes that were damaged by the deadly tanker fire.

To speed up the process, Governor Josh Shapiro is asking the feds for more money.

“I think the clear message from us is that any federal resources that is necessary will be made available to ensure that this bridge get reopened as quickly as possible,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt.

SEE ALSO: Drexel University engineer explains possible cause of I-95 collapse in Philadelphia

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Atlanta, GA

US Open Cup: Atlanta United, FC Dallas & San Jose advance to Round of 16 | MLSSoccer.com

Published

50 mins ago

May 8, 2024

Press Room

US Open Cup: Atlanta United, FC Dallas & San Jose advance to Round of 16 | MLSSoccer.com

Ousseni Bouda’s 76th-minute golazo was the difference for San Jose against in a 1-0 win over USL Championship rivals Oakland Roots SC.

The Burkina Faso international, selected eighth overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, whipped a right-footed shot from distance into the far post. The Quakes await a Round-of-16 showdown vs. USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC.

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Atlanta, GA

Major League Pickleball’s Atlanta Bouncers begin season Friday

Published

8 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Press Room

Major League Pickleball’s Atlanta Bouncers begin season Friday

BUFORD, Ga. (Atlanta News First)—If you can’t get enough sports, listen up: Major League Pickleball will play its 2024 season this weekend in metro Atlanta.

You might have heard of the local MLP team, the Atlanta Bouncers, but the players are brand new.

“My name is Angie Walker. I am a professional pickleball player and play for the Atlanta Bouncers,” Walker announced.

Unlike your grandma, the Bouncers, made up of Walker, Jaume Martinez Vich, Todd Fought, and Genie Erokhina, don’t do this for kicks.

“Pickleball allows me not to have another job,” Martinez Vich said.

Most players come from tennis backgrounds. Martinez Vich was a three-time all-American tennis player in college at Hawaii Pacific, Walker played at Idaho State, and Fought at Weber State.

The four Bouncers were drafted by Atlanta in April’s MLP Draft.

Walker

“Every day, I wake up and get to do something I genuinely love and call it my job,” Walker said.

But the time for excitement is over, and Chris Wolfe, who runs pickleball operations for Competitive Sports Ventures and acts as the Bouncer’s coach when they’re in town, has one goal in mind.

“I think we have one of the top teams, and we’re ready to move on to Premier [Level],” Wolfe said.

Major League Pickleball works a bit like European soccer. There are 22 teams spread into two leagues: Premier and Challenger. At season’s end, the top four Challenger teams move into Premier.

“They need waters, they want me to sing to them, I’ll do whatever,” Wolfe said.

The team practices at one of CSV’s businesses, the popular Pickle & Social in Buford.

The Bouncers are the Deep South’s only team, partly owned by Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young.

And a nearly 30-match season begins Friday, May 10, at the Peachtree Corners Lifetime Fitness.

It’s the start of Walker and Martinez Vich hope are long careers in a successful league.

“I hope so,” Walker said. “Definitely the next five. Hopefully forever.”

“We’re going in the right direction, and that’s what matters,” Martinez Vich said.

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Atlanta, GA

Heart’s Royal Flush Tour Stops in Atlanta

Published

15 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Press Room

Heart’s Royal Flush Tour Stops in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Get your tickets now for an electrifying performance in Atlanta. Heart’s long-awaited ‘Royal Flush Tour’ 2024 stops at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Friday, May 10th. The iconic rock band will be joined by special guest Cheap Trick. The show starts at 8:00PM and doors open at 7:00 PM.

With a career spanning nearly five decades, the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees have earned global recognition selling more than 35 million albums worldwide, with 20 Top 40 singles to their name. HEART will be performing their catalog of global chart-topping classic hits including “Magic Man”, “Barracuda”, “Crazy on You” and “These Dreams”. The current members of HEART feature Nancy Wilson (rhythm, lead and acoustic guitar, backing and lead vocals), Ann Wilson (lead vocals and flute), Ryan Wariner (lead and rhythm guitar), Ryan Waters (guitars), Paul Moak (guitars, keyboards and backing vocals), Tony Lucido (bass and backing vocals) and Sean T Lane (drums and bike).

“We’re excited and all geared up to hit the road in 2024 to perform for our devoted fans,” Heart’s lead vocalist Ann Wilson stated. She added “The exceptional talent of the band – Ryan, Ryan, Paul, Tony and Sean – brings a whole new level of energy to Heart’s live performance”. Ann hinted the possibility of adding more tour dates in the near future heightening anticipation for what promises to be an incredible concert experience.

Nancy Wilson shared, “I am incredibly proud of the show that our band has crafted and am looking forward to reconnecting with our fans. We can’t wait to share our music with everyone and celebrate the big electric energy of a completely live on the spot rock show.”

HEART will be joined by celebrated rock band Cheap Trick on the Royal Flush Tour 2024. Formed in 1974, Cheap Trick has sold 20 million albums worldwide, including hits “I Want You to Want Me”, “The Flame”, “Dream Police” and “Surrender”. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 cementing their place in rock history. Their perfect blend of ‘60s guitar pop, hard rock, and punk rock, combined with the infectious sound of HEART’s powerful melodies, is sure to make for an unforgettable evening of live music.

A limited number of exclusive VIP Packages are also available. These exclusive offers can include an amazing selection of reserved seated tickets, custom merchandise and more.

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