17th Street Bridge Still Closed to Pedestrians, 4 Months After Completion Date

Have you noticed that one side of the 17th Street bridge is still closed to pedestrian traffic? 

A Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) spokesperson told Midtown Patch in January, that the work would be done by the end of the January month.  It is now nearly May and pedestrians are still forced to use just one side of the busy bridge.

This is extremely inconvenient for MARTA passengers and other bus passengers that are dropped off and/or picked up from that side of the road.  It is also a hassle for residents who live on that side of the road.  They are now forced to either cross traffic, or walk a few hundred feet backwards to be able to cross at a crosswalk.

In August 2011, a portion of the decorative railing on the bridge came crashing down on the I-75/85 downtown connector in an incident that fortunately resulted in no injuries.

The south pedestrian sidewalk on the bridge was immediately closed following the incident.

What are your thoughts?  I am sure most people would rather have a safe bridge and awning, rather than risk another accident.

Related
DOT Says 17th Bridge Work Will be Done in January 2013