Georgia Department of Transportation has received approval from the U.S. Coast Guard on the revised closure schedule of the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway (AICW) at the Islands Expressway bridge construction site. 

After cancellation of the previous AICW closure schedule, Georgia DOT held several outreach meetings with the commercial maritime community to address boater safety and received full support for the revised closure schedule. The current planned closure schedule will begin on Monday, October 2 for demolition of the preexisting concrete bascule piers on the east and west sides of the AICW. The closure schedule will remain in place for up to 7 weeks. See time frame AICW closure graphic below.

"The existing bridge substructure must be removed to make way for the new bridge, the twin to the already built bridge. After hearing concerns regarding the original closure plan, the Department contacted several AICW mariner's interest groups, yacht clubs, marinas from Hilton Head to Brunswick, and local companies utilizing the AICW. Since then, the Department has received a lot of input and positive feedback regarding its efforts to accommodate mariners under the revised closure plan. The Coast Guard has approved the revised plan, and Prince is ready to begin work," stated Georgia DOT District Construction Engineer Bryan Czech. "The Department, I especially appreciate the cooperative effort between the U.S. Coast Guard, Prince Contracting, and all the entities involved in this process. I am also grateful for the relationships formed simultaneously," noted Czech.

Commercial traffic requiring zero restriction waterway access can call Myrick Marine at (912) 210-6778 up to 24 hours in advance but not less than one hour before arriving at the Islands Expressway bridge demolition site to schedule safe passage.