I-85 collapse leading to road blocks for pedestrians, too

Some people trying to help ease congestion after the I-85 collapse are walking into road blocks - literally.

It's no secret that the I-85 bridge collapse has made navigating Midtown roads a challenge for drivers.

But, for those who walk around the area, the bridge collapse has created plenty of problems as well.

"I was just going for a run," Jonathan Usry said.

Related:

► I-85 Collapse Day 4: Monday morning rush hour looming large

► I-85 Collapse Day 3: Bridge fire charged with arson; Midtown streets clogged

► I-85 Collapse Day 2: 12 hours later, bridge still smoldering

► I-85 Collapse Day 1: I-85 closed after fire, partial collapse

He was on the seventh mile of his run when the bridge collapse created a roadblock he had not expected along Piedmont Road.

"Now, I'm going to have to turn around, go all the way back up to Lindbergh and go to Peachtree and run back on Peachtree," he said.

11Alive caught a few people Sunday afternoon who showed up to the collapse unaware the incident had completely blocked the sidewalk to pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Michael Balk found out about that the hard way a few days before.

"I was trying to be a good citizen and avoid the roads," he said.

So, he decided to take MARTA home. He got off at Lindbergh Station prepared to make the 20-plus minute walk to other side of the 85 overpass where his home is located.

But, when he got to the collapse – there was no one at the site who could give him info on the detour around the collapse.

"So I actually got on the highway," he said.

He, and some other pedestrians, ended up walking the access road to avoid the mess. He posted the video on his Facebook account.

"Walked down to Armour and then did sort of a big half-a-mile bypass and ended up back where I almost started from,” he said. “But was able to avoid going through where they were doing work."

While there are a few signs in the area that show the sidewalk is now closed, Balk said he would appreciate it if officials provided the public with more information on how pedestrians can take a detour around the blockages in the future.

In the meantime – everyone there can't wait to see the day when this obstacle is finally cleaned up.

We used Google Maps to figure out how long it takes pedestrians to walk around this collapse if they stay on the sidewalks. If you use Lindbergh and Cheshire Bridge roads it could cost you about 50 minutes just to get to the other side of the overpass.