Access to Buford-Spring Connector SB from I-85 now open
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Transportation has released a new detours map for Interstate 85.
Thursday morning, the DOT opened the southbound lanes of the Buford-Spring Connector, which has remained closed since a massive fire caused a portion of I-85 near Piedmont Road to collapse last week, crippling traffic in both directions of the busy highway indefinitely.
VIDEO: SKYFOX 5 over the scene the morning after collapse
Access to the Buford-Spring Connector southbound opened before rush hour Thursday, to local traffic only. However, access from Sidney Marcus Boulevard to the Buford-Spring Connector remains closed. The DOT said through traffic should continue to use I-285.
The northbound lanes of the Buford-Spring Connector opened to local traffic several days ago.
WATCH: The moment the overpass collapsed
I-85 remains closed between I-75 and Georgia 400. Motorists are being urged to use I-75, I-285 and I-20 as alternates.
Tuesday, the DOT said I-85 could reopen in fewer than 10 weeks.
Watch: Georgia DOT officials lay out timeline for repairing I-85
"A very aggressive, but attainable date," said DOT Commissioner Russell McMurray. "This is a great date. This is much better than our initial thought."