Atlanta I-85 fire: Atlanta colleges offer flexible Friday schedules

Atlanta's downtown universities are offering their students and employees flexible reporting and working schedules on Friday following a massive fire Thursday night on I-85 that led to a portion of the highway collapsing.

Emory, Georgia Tech and Georgia State universities posted alerts on their websites late Thursday encouraging their campus communities to discuss alternate arrangements with their supervisors, instructors and fellow students.

“Likewise, supervisors and faculty are asked to be flexible in accommodating employees’ and students’ needs during this unusual time,” read the alerts from Georgia State and Georgia Tech.

RELATED: State of emergency issued

Emory University employees able to telecommute were encouraged to do so.

Employees of Emory Healthcare should report for work as usual, and are encouraged to build in extra travel time tomorrow.

The interstate fire was extinguished about an hour after it started. No cause had yet been given late Thursday night.

PHOTOS: Fire causes I-85 bridge collapse near Piedmont Road

Return to AJC.com for updates.

No first responders, pedestrians or drivers were hurt in the fire nor the collaspe of the bridge on the I-85 Northbound overpass.

About the Author

Janel Davis

Janel Davis serves as a managing editor responsible for lifestyle and culture content.

Metro Atlanta school systems opting out of property tax break for homeowners

Many of Georgia’s largest school systems are preparing to or have opted out of a property tax break that voters approved in November. The deadline is March 1.