Atlanta I-85 fire: DeKalb County Schools closed Friday

The DeKalb County School District is cancelling classes Friday out of concern for the safety of its students and Atlanta-area motorists after a fire collapsed a bridge on I-85.

It is asking 12-month employees to report to work.

A fire caused a section of a flyover section of I-85 northbound to collapse near Georgia 400 Thursday. The blockage is expected to significantly impair travel in DeKalb County and for school buses, leading to traffic delays. By taking its buses off the road, the district hopes to reduce its impact on the roads on a day where many drivers will be forced to take alternate routes.

DeKalb County Schools 2016-17 academic calendar

“After careful evaluation, the district has determined that it will not be able to transport students to and from school efficiently given the transportation event this evening,” said Superintendent Steve Green. “With one day before spring break begins, the prudent decision is to keep students at home, and not contribute to difficult travel conditions.”

DCSD will be on spring break on April 3-7.

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