Atlanta Suspends Routine Construction Work During I-85 Rebuild

ATLANTA, GA -- Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has issued an executive order to suspend non-emergency construction activity while the Georgia Department of Transportation repairs the fallen bridge along Interstate 85 in Midtown.

The temporary measure halts work between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, throughout the Impact Mitigation Corridor, which extends from downtown Atlanta to the northern city limits, east to Moreland Avenue and west to US-41/Northside Drive.

Atlanta will not accept any new construction permits before April 17 to" further mitigate the impact of construction activity on traffic congestion," the city said in a press release.

“Temporarily suspending construction activities during reconstruction of Interstate 85 makes sense and is the right decision to help ease traffic congestion,” Mayor Reed said in a press release. “While our partners at GDOT do the essential work of rebuilding the I-85 bridge, we are taking multiple measures to ensure people can make it to work or school on time, and can enjoy their time in our city.”

GDOT says it plans to reopen the closed stretch of the highway over Piedmont Road by June 15.

Atlanta continues to work closely with GDOT, the lead response agency, to implement multiple strategies to mitigate traffic congestion and preserve access for first responders and to hospitals. The city's top priority throughout the reconstruction period is ensuring access for first responders and to hospitals.

As motorists look for different routes to commute to work and school, the city has also prohibited non-local traffic in certain areas. Atlanta also encourages residents, visitors and public employees to consider tele-commuting or taking transit, such as MARTA and the Atlanta Streetcar, whenever possible. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have announced discounts for customers traveling to and from MARTA stations, the city said.

Image via Shutterstock