Actions

Atlanta's Already Congested Highways Might Get Worse After Collapse

Three people were charged in connection with the fire that caused a section of I-85 to collapse Thursday.

By: Ethan Weston

Posted at 11:53 AM, Apr 02, 2017

and last updated 2017-04-02 11:53:09-04

Three people are facing charges after a fire caused a chunk of Interstate 85 in Atlanta to collapse.

Investigators say the trio, all believed to be homeless, started the fire intentionally on Thursday.

Thirty-nine-year-old Basil Eleby was charged with first-degree arson. The other two — Barry Thomas and Sophia Brauer — have been charged with criminal tresspass.

Officials say that section of highway might be down for a few months — which is bad news for Atlanta.

It's one of the most congested cities in the U.S., and more than 250,000 people drive I-85 daily.

There's probably going to be even more people in Atlanta this week. The Masters golf tournament starts Thursday in Augusta, and Atlanta has the closest international airport.

Alternative highways already saw a 50 percent increase in traffic the day after the fire, and major streets saw a 25 percent increase.

State officials have detour plans in place for commuters, but they're still warning drivers to expect significant delays.