Hall County, GA – Drivers across Northeast Georgia are facing major travel disruptions today after a serious traffic incident shut down multiple lanes on Interstate 985 near Friendship Road.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, both southbound lanes of I-985 are fully blocked just south of Exit 8 (Friendship Road) due to a traffic crash. In the same area, one northbound lane is also blocked after a vehicle caught fire, further worsening congestion during peak travel hours.
The incident is causing significant backups in both directions, with delays stretching several miles as emergency crews work to clear the roadway. Officials have not yet released details on injuries or how long the closures are expected to remain in place.
I-985 is a major commuter and freight corridor connecting Gainesville, Braselton, and the Atlanta metro area, meaning drivers throughout Hall County and surrounding Northeast Georgia communities could feel the impact throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Law enforcement is urging motorists to avoid the area entirely if possible and use alternate routes until traffic conditions improve. Drivers already on the interstate should expect stop-and-go traffic and allow extra time for travel.
Updates on lane reopenings and crash details are expected as the situation develops.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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