The old Bankhead Avenue bridge, which crosses the railroad near Marietta Street, was built in 1912 and was one of the main western routes out of Atlanta before I-20 was built. The top photo is actually a frame from a Super8 movie film I shot there in early 1992. Even though the bridge had already been closed, it appeared to be in relatively good condition. A lot has changed since my visit in '92. The ramp from Marietta Street has since been demolished and the area is now a parking lot while Bankhead Highway has been renamed Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. No one is fooled. Everyone still calls it Bankhead Highway.
Here's another screenshot from the same grainy 1992 Super8 film showing the dedication plaque which is obviously missing in the above photo.
Another screenshot of the old Bankhead Highway ramp from Marietta Street.
The bridge can be seen in the background of this June 2, 1954 photograph of the intersection of Boss and Marietta St.
Wonder where the dedication plaque went. Should we query the AHC?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great blog. Can't wait to see more from you!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteI grew up not far from that bridge and remember riding over it in cars and buses as a kid. It's surreal seeing a parking lot there where the ramp from Marietta Street used to be. Actually there are a lot of places in the city that are surreal when you remember what used to be there. I found your blog thru Atlanta Time Machine (which I love, being a native of this city), and I am looking forward to more of your entries here!
ReplyDeletePS: Yep, I STILL call it Bankhead! :^)
It IS surreal!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
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ReplyDeleteDan Morrison
Do you remember if the plaque mentioned who built the bridge?
ReplyDelete