The Wednesday morning commute on I-285 in Clayton County turned deadly when a pedestrian was struck and killed on the westbound side of the interstate near the Riverdale Road (State Route 139) interchange, according to authorities. All westbound lanes were shut down as investigators and medics worked the scene, backing up traffic and leaving drivers stuck in heavy delays. Police said the person died at the scene, and the victim's identity has not yet been released.
What Police Say Happened
Clayton County police told Atlanta News First that a vehicle hit a pedestrian on the westbound side of I-285, prompting officers to shut down the interstate near SR 139/Riverdale Road while crews responded. Investigators have not named any suspects and have not announced any charges. Officials are calling it an active investigation.
Pedestrian Deaths Climb In Clayton County
The crash comes as Clayton County has seen a rise in fatal incidents involving people on foot. The Clayton County Police Department 2024 Year in Review reports that pedestrian deaths increased 30.8 percent, from 13 in 2023 to 17 in 2024. The numbers have pushed county leaders and safety advocates to call for changes along busy routes that cross the Perimeter.
Riverdale Road Already On The Radar
State pedestrian-safety mapping identifies Riverdale Road (SR 139) near I-285 as a hotspot for pedestrian crashes, according to a statewide pedestrian-hotspot analysis. The label reflects a pattern of serious and fatal collisions along the corridor and is cited by planners as an area that needs engineering, enforcement and education efforts to reduce risk. The hotspot designation appears in state reviews of crash clusters.
Investigators Seek More Information
Clayton County police say the case remains under investigation and have not released further details about how the crash unfolded. Anyone who may have seen what happened or has information is asked to contact the Clayton County Police Department, Atlanta News First reports.
