On the evening of Thursday, March 30, 2017, an elevated section of I-85 in the metro Atlanta, GA region collapsed due to an intense fire that started underneath (possibly by PVC piping that was being stored). Smoke could be seen for miles while the fire burned and the resulting collapse and closure of the major artery is bound to snarl traffic in Georgia’s most populated city for weeks, if not a couple months.

If you reside in metro Atlanta and normally take I-85 as part of your daily commute, please know that the section of the interstate between the I-75 split in the Brookwood area and GA Hwy 400 in the Peachtree Park/Lindberg area is closed in both directions and will remain closed until the damaged sections are able to be rebuilt. Alternate routes include I-20, I-75, GA Hwy 42, GA Hwy 141, GA Hwy 154, US Hwy 19, US Hwy 41, and US Hwy 78. Please keep these roadways in mind if you are visiting the area as well. If you are simply passing through the Atlanta region, but are not stopping anywhere within the heart of the city, please take the I-285 Beltway. I currently do not recommend GA Hwy 13 (which the Buford Springs Connector is a part of) due to the ongoing investigation and traffic congestion.

During this time, please allow extra travel time and lots of patience. It’s never fun having to take detours because a major highway is closed, but your commute can be far worse if it is not planned out carefully.

Transit Services

If at all possible, please use public transit services during this time, as it will help alleviate congestion along key highways. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (or MARTA) is implementing increased rail services for today and this weekend. Please be sure to visit MARTA’s website for the latest information, including service changes, interruptions, and detours. You can also follow MARTA on Social Media and download the MARTA On the Go App. Currently, MARTA bus routes 6, 27, 30, 33, and 47 are being impacted by the incident and detours are possible. Please check with MARTA for the latest on these routes and allow extra commute time. Extra staffing will be provided along the MARTA system to assist customers in getting around.

Gwinnett County Transit buses originating in Gwinnett County will detour via I-20 and I-285.

For continuing updates on the I-85 closure, please monitor local media outlets.

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