Some commuters dispute notion that traffic is normal

ATLANTA — Local officials believe that commuters are doing a good job of getting around Interstate 85 construction caused by last month's bridge fire and collapse, but some drivers disagree.

Channel 2's Dave Huddleston spoke with some travelers who say things are worse than before. 

The Georgia Department of Transportation released information saying that Monday's commute was about the same as the previous Monday. It said commuters took the department's advice and left early, taking mass transit while I-85 undergoes repairs.

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GDOT officials said there has been an 18 percent jump in traffic now that folks are back from spring break, which is better than the 30 percent increase that they were expecting.

GDOT told Huddleston that the demolition and rebuilding of the I-85 bridge is going more smoothly than anticipated and the department is still on track for a June 15 completion.

GDOT said that if crews can finish earlier, they will.

Some of the commuters that Huddleston spoke with said things might have been good on Monday, but Tuesday was a different story.

"Oh, it's been rough, man. I've got a meeting I’m running a little bit behind to because of the traffic. I should be able to get there in the next 10 minutes or so, about 45 minutes," one commuter told Huddleston.

Other commuters Huddleston spoke to said the interstate was fine, but once they got onto the side streets, traffic was backed up.

Cox Media Group