Graduation day update: Navigating traffic from Atlanta to Athens

A small plane crash on I-285 Friday morning may force University of Georgia graduation day guests to find an alternate route.

Officials report a small private plane crashed on the interstate at Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, which is on the northeast side of the perimeter highway. Guests driving to Athens from metro Atlanta who would normally take I-85 to Ga. 316 are advised to avoid this area of I-285, which could be closed until later this evening while investigators survey the scene. Four people are dead as a result of the crash.

As an alternative route to Athens, travelers from inside the Perimeter may take I-75 or I-85 south to I-20, and then head east to exit at Ga. 138/Conyers. Follow Ga. 138 to U.S. 78 into Athens. Travelers north of Atlanta who typically take I-285 to I-85 should plan to catch I-85 north of the Perimeter.

Map your route via Google Maps.

UGA's graduation ceremony takes place at 7 p.m. Friday at Sanford Stadium. Find more details about graduation day activities at uga.edu.