I-85 SB all lanes blocked at Jefferson exit

BREAKING NEWS:

From the Georgia DOT:

WHERE: I-85 southbound just south of exit ramp to US 129/SR 11, Exit 137 in the City of Jefferson. Southbound traffic is detoured up the exit ramp, across US 129/SR 11 and back onto the interstate via the entrance ramp.

WHEN: A crane crashed approximately 5 p.m. today. All lanes of the interstate were closed after the crash. I-85 northbound reopened at 7:30 p.m. to traffic. I-85 southbound is expected to open to traffic by 11 p.m. tonight. Repairs will be completed to the roadway and cable barrier beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow. One lane of the interstate will be closed at a time for repairs tomorrow.

WHAT: Georgia DOT is on sight now. The crane has been removed from the scene. Crews are cleaning up the debris from the roadway. Initial repairs are underway and if the repairs go as expected, the interstate will reopen to traffic by 11 p.m. tonight. Approximately 800 feet of cable barrier was damaged. The driving surface of the roadway was gouged and scraped leaving a ragged driving surface. Cold mix asphalt will be used for temporary repairs tonight. Tomorrow, if weather permits, the damaged asphalt will be removed and replaced creating a smooth driving surface again.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.