Officers keep close eye on roads used as cut-throughs after 85 collapse

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Police Department is working with Atlanta neighborhood associations to help deal with the traffic impact of the Interstate 85 collapse and subsequent reconstruction project.

"Zone 2 is receiving support from our Motorcycle Unit, other Special Operations Section traffic units, patrol officers from other zones, and administrative officers in various locations for traffic issues,” said APD Major Barry Shaw.

Neighborhoods throughout Atlanta are dealing with a spike in traffic as drivers try to find alternate routes to avoid the area impacted by the I-85 project.

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Two of the most congested cut-throughs are Lindbergh Drive and Peachtree Hills Avenue in Buckhead, as drivers make their way from Piedmont to Peachtree Road.

"If you're trying to get onto Lindbergh you'll be waiting on a side street and it'll be like 10 minutes that you're waiting and no cars are moving," said Peachtree Hills resident Rachel Thompson.

"I've been stuck behind cars completely blocking intersections when my light turns and we miss a light and that's another 15 minutes of sitting still in your car," Peachtree Hills resident Allie Priede told Channel 2 Action News.

Other problem areas include Montgomery Ferry Road in Ansley Park and Habersham Road in Buckhead, as drivers try to avoid getting stuck on Peachtree.

Atlanta police tell Channel 2 Action News their motorcycle, traffic and other units are working together to help traffic flow as smoothly as possible.

That includes monitoring major intersections to make sure drivers don’t block them.

“The Zone 2 officers are handling calls for service, continuing crime-fighting efforts and monitoring traffic conditions within neighborhoods as much as possible,” said Shaw.

"Keep on building 85 and get it running again," said Priede.