GDOT closely watching traffic Monday after I-85 collapse

ATLANTA - Georgia Department of Transportation officials are closely watching traffic Monday after a fire closed a section of Interstate 85 last week. 

MORE: Cleanup continues on I-85

State officials invited FOX 5 into the DOT's Management Center where crews monitor cameras placed all over the metro Atlanta area, and give advice to drivers who call 511.

MORE: GDOT sends reminder to Monday morning commuters

The DOT is encouraging drivers to avoid the closed stretch of I-85. If possible, take rapid transit, like MARTA, or telecommute. Motorists have been told to plan their route in advance, to be flexible and leave with extra time.

An early morning fatal accident blocked I-20 inside the Perimeter, choking off the main detour route from Gwinnett County. After being closed for more than three hours, that road reopened around 7 a.m. 

PHOTOS: I-85 fire and overpass collapse

Over the weekend the State reconfigured I-85 northbound near Peachtree, allowing two lanes of traffic to use the Buford Spring Connector.  By 7 a.m. Monday, that road was gridlocked. Officials reminded drivers they should only use the Buford Spring Connector for local traffic.  

While still monitoring the morning commute, the DOT is already warning people about their ride home. Bad weather is expected, which would only make traffic conditions worse. Drivers are urged to plan ahead.

MORE: Damaging winds, isolated tornadoes possible with Monday's severe storms