CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE I-85 FIRE AND COLLAPSE (DELAYS, ALTERNATIVE ROUTES, SCHOOLS CANCELING, ETC.)
Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency Thursday night after fire officials extinguished a massive fire on I-85 in Atlanta that led to the collapse of a bridge on the crowded interstate.
The bridge on I-85 northbound just south of Ga. 400 near Piedmont Road collapsed about 7 p.m., Atlanta fire spokesman Sgt. Cortez Stafford confirmed.
No injuries to motorists or first responders were reported.
Officials said they still don’t know how long it will take to fix the bridge, but they agree there is no underestimating the headache that awaits commuters.
Atlanta schools will operate on a normal schedule Friday; state and city offices will delay opening until 10 a.m. DeKalb County, Georgia schools have cancelled Friday classes.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is advising travelers to allow extra time to reach the airport, the nation’s busiest.
The Georgia Department of Public Health said although there has been no significant toxicity in the smoke, people are advised to limit their exposure by keeping car and house windows closed and running their air conditioners.
Bus services are continuing in the area but riders are being warned to expect significant delays.
MARTA is providing additional services to accommodate what it described as the “expected influx of passengers” due to the highway collapse. “Marta is increasing rail services to assist travelers during this time,” officials said. “Bus lines affected due to the I-85 bridge collapse are 27, 6, 33, 30 and 47. Buses that are delayed are being rerouted to Lindbergh.”
Both 85 southbound AND 85 northbound are CLOSED. Some alternative routes include:
Northbound
- Northbound traffic leaving downtown Atlanta is being diverted to Interstate 75. I-85 Northbound is completely shut off at the I-75/I-85 split. If your goal is to get into midtown or Piedmont Rd. exit I-85/I-75 before the split and take surface streets.
- Anyone headed to south Buckhead should get off at Northside Drive or Howell Mill Road and go north to Collier Road or Peachtree Battle Road before heading eastward toward Peachtree Road.
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Central Buckhead traffic should get off at Paces Ferry Road before going eastward.
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Other traffic should go to I-285 before going eastward.
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Traffic going to the east of Piedmont Road should go to Clairmont Road or I-285 on the east before going northward.
Southbound
- Southbound traffic leaving Buckhead headed toward downtown Atlanta should head westbound on Paces Ferry Road, Wesley Road, Peachtree Battle Road or Collier Road.
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Southbound routes include Interstate 75, Northside Drive and Howell Mill Road inside the Perimeter.
MORE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
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Piedmont road all the way to Buford Spring Connector
- If you’re heading north on the Downtown Connector you cannot merge on to 85
- All drivers must take I-75 beginning at 17th street
- On I-75 southbound there is no access to the northbound Interstate 85 lanes, so plan on another route
- If you’re headed south on Georgia 400 into Buckhead you will have to exit at Lenox Road and then take surface streets.
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