The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has officially opened the I-85 bridge over the Piedmont Road in Atlanta, US, nearly one month ahead of its schedule.

The bridge was severely damaged and collapsed after it caught fire on 30 March, causing significant time delays and inconvenience to commuters in Atlanta.

Prior to the collapse, the bridge was used by nearly 243,000 drivers on a day-to-day basis.

US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said: “The workers who helped to make today possible – the men and women who worked tirelessly to build this bridge – have impressed the nation and earned our thanks.

“The real heroes are right here, among us. Each one of them represents America’s best.”

For the reconstruction of the bridge, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) had provided $10m from its 'quick-release' Emergency Relief funds.

The authorities began demolition works immediately, and workers removed nearly 6,500 tonnes of debris and replace about 700ft of surrounding roadway and support columns.

Federal Highway Administrator deputy Walter Waidelich said: “This project underscores the value of FHWA’s Emergency Relief programme.

“Resources like these help states in need begin repairs and restore traffic to normal as quickly as possible.”

"Resources like these help states in need begin repairs and restore traffic to normal as quickly as possible."

GDOT will also receive additional federal funds once a review of the project’s overall costs is completed.

GDOT explained that the bridge construction was completed one month ahead of its schedule due to fast and innovative financing for the contractor, saving Atlanta-area commuters more than $27m in congestion and detour-related delays.

The authorities are reported to have used advanced prefabricated components and modern accelerated curing concrete to construct the new bridge.

Additionally, FHWA officials accelerated the regulatory requirements process in order to ensure that the project could begin faster.

Image: I-85 Bridge over the Piedmont Road in Atlanta was opened by the officials one month ahead of its schedule. Photo: courtesy of US Department of Transportation.