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.

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.

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

Keep Reading

A Georgia student warned friends about a shooting threat. He was expelled for it. (Abbey Edmonson/AJC)

Credit: Abbey Edmonson

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP