The Armuchee Connector will open to traffic following a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for 9 a.m. on May 17.

The 2.1-mile road and bridge across the Oostanaula River will provide an alternate route between downtown Rome and the northern part of the county. It runs from State Mutual Stadium to U.S. 27 near Old Summerville Road. 

The $12 million project was funded through the 2006 special purpose, local option sales tax. 

Braves Boulevard will become a through-street when the connector opens, so the stop sign will be removed and the city will add lane markings. Bennett also said the Rome Braves will be collecting game-goers’ money inside the parking lot, rather than in the street.