How Has the I-85 Collapse Impact Fleet Travel Through Atlanta?

On March 30, an overpass on 1-85 collapsed in northeast Atlanta due to a large fire that was started under the bridge. Both north- and southbound lanes of I-85 are closed, forcing drivers to take alternate routes until the overpass is repaired and replaced. As one of Atlanta’s main thoroughfares, closing I-85 has had a profound impact on traffic patterns, affecting fleet travel through the city. However, with careful planning and using your fleet fuel card, you can minimize concerns while traveling through Atlanta.

Minimal Route Impact, but Slower Drive Times

Since all through-vehicle traffic is required to use Atlanta’s I-285 bypass at some point, cutting off access to I-85 hasn’t necessarily impacted the routes truckers take. The problem is that since I-85 traffic is being diverted to other routes, congestion on I-285 has increased. Heavy congestion is leading to traffic jams, slowing the time it takes freight to enter and leave the city.

To offset the impact of increased traffic congestion, fleet managers can adjust pickup and delivery times to avoid wasting time and fuel when trucks get stuck in traffic jams. Traffic will always be heaviest in the early morning and late afternoons when people are coming and going from work. You may find that night runs or driving at off-peak hours will help lessen the impact of heavy traffic in Atlanta.

Local Shipments Have Been Hit Hardest

Local shipments and freight headed southbound to Florida face the biggest challenges in response to the I-85 closure. Freight drivers headed into the city are encountering increased traffic and rising local shipment rates, but long-distance drivers likely haven’t seen the same price surge. Shipments headed to the northeastern portion of the country may also be impacted by traffic changes, but those freight drivers only account for around 10% of Atlanta’s total truck traffic.

Fuel Economy Will Be Impacted

Increased congestion on I-285 and other Atlanta roads has pushed the city’s stop-and-go traffic to a standstill at times, which kills your fleet’s fuel economy. While there are a few tips and tricks to saving gas while driving in the city, one of your best options is using a fuel card to maximize your per-gallon rebates and discounts.

The Fuelz Fleet Card was designed and developed by a fuel company, not a credit card company. That’s why our fuel management solutions are designed to fit the specific needs of your fleet. In the face of increased drive times, traffic jams, and varying road conditions, using a fuel card helps you stay on top of expenses and manage your fleet effectively. The Fuelz card is accepted at hundreds of convenient locations nationwide, which means drivers won’t waste time and gas searching for a place to fuel up.  Contact us or call 855-GO FUELZ to start saving today.