News Release: DWM Continues Work on Road Collapse on Shirley C. Franklin Blvd.

CONTACT:
Office of Communications & Community Relations
Phone: 678-546-3200
Email: dwmmediainquiries@atlantaga.gov

For Immediate Release
May 15, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

UPDATE AS OF 5:30 P.M.

DWM Continues Work on Road Collapse on Shirley C. Franklin Blvd.

ATLANTA – Progress continues on Shirley C. Franklin Blvd. SW (formerly Central Avenue SW) where DWM crews have successfully capped the abandoned line that led to a road collapse between Rawson St. SW and Memorial Dr. SW.

The incident was caused when a private contractor inadvertently filled the line during hydro excavation on an adjacent block. The damaged section will be backfilled and repaved, with normal traffic flow anticipated by the weekend. Motorists are still advised to use caution and avoid the area, where traffic control measures remain in place.

Multiple lanes are closed on Shirley C. Franklin Blvd. SW (formerly Central Ave SW), so expect heavy delays.

For travelers heading eastbound on I-20, avoid Shirley C. Franklin Blvd. SW (formerly Central Ave SW):

Use Exit 56B to Windsor St SW
Turn left on Windsor St SW
Continue north on Ted Turner Drive SW

For travelers heading northbound on I-75/I-85, avoid Shirley C. Franklin Blvd. SW (formerly Central Ave SW):

Use Exit 246 to Fulton St SW
Stay right to Fulton St SW
Turn right on Fulton St SW
Turn left on Hank Aaron Dr SW
Continue north on Capitol Ave SE

For travels heading northbound on Pryor Rd SW to Shirley C. Franklin Blvd. SW (formerly Central Ave SW):

Turn right on Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW
Turn right on Hank Aaron Dr SW
Continue north on Capitol Ave SE

For your awareness, message boards are located at two (2) locations:

Exit 56B eastbound off-ramp just west of Windsor St SW, stating Shirley C. Franklin Blvd. SW (formerly Central Ave SW) closed, Turn Left.
Exit 246 ramp to Shirley C. Franklin Blvd. SW (formerly Central Ave SW) Fulton St. Exit 246 ramp will be closed, forcing all traffic to Fulton St.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

For the latest information, please refer to local news outlets and connect with us on our social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Nextdoor, and Instagram @ATLWatershed.

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