Commuters in Fayette County faced delays Friday after a southbound lane on Highway 85 at Morning Creek Bridge was shut down due to significant damage, officials reported. The damage, caused by a water main break that washed out the road just before the bridge, raised immediate concerns about the bridge's structural integrity, prompting the closure as the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) assessed the situation.
While initial reports from the Fayette County Sheriff's Office indicated that the lane closure would likely extend through Saturday afternoon there was a quick turn of events, one of the southbound lanes was reopened to allow traffic to pass, Atlanta News First reported. There is yet no definite timeline for the completion of repairs but officials have urged drivers to exercise caution in and around the affected area or to seek alternative routes entirely.
In light of the disruption, GDOT officials were quick to respond with traffic control measures, placing barriers around the impacted lane to guide vehicles away from the hazard, according to statements obtained by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office has also recommended taking Highway 314 or West Fayetteville Road as viable detours between Kenwood and Fayetteville to bypass the bridge damage.
As crews work diligently to repair the damage and restore the bridge to full capacity, traffic experts like 11Alive's Crash Clark remind drivers to plan for slowdowns and to stay informed about updates on the bridge closure – understanding the inconvenience but also the necessity of patience and safety in such unpredictable circumstances, they continue to provide the latest on traffic conditions and alternate routes.
