Watch: I-85 In Midtown Atlanta Reopens For Monday Commute

ATLANTA, GA -- For motorists traveling through Atlanta's midsection Monday morning, the drive seemed like old times as Interstate 85 in Midtown was open after being shut down for weeks. Over the weekend, Georgia Department of Transportation officials reopened the section of I-85 that burned and collapsed just six weeks ago.

State and city officials said that the fast-track reconstruction process was possible by working in tandem with federal officials to stick to a plan set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Mark Mastronardi, director of construction with GDOT, credited Gov. Nathan Deal's declaration of an emergency in the hours after the March 30 incident with allowing the state to begin working with officials from the federal government on getting the reconstruction plans set.

"With #Interstate85 open, I’d like to thank GA’s drivers for their patience and remind everyone to be safe and cautious on the roads," Gov. Nathan Deal said Monday on Twitter. "Thank you also to the @GADeptofTrans and everyone who worked around the clock to make effective, safe and efficient repairs to I-85."

Georgia DOT selected Marietta-based C.W. Mathews Contracting Co. to lead the rebuilding project. Hours after the bridge collapse, work crews began demolition work shortly after the last pieces of material stopped smoldering. After a few weeks, residents were able to see beams arriving at the site.

Three people were arrested in connection to the fire and bridge collapse, but one suspect has become the face of the incident. Basil Eleby was charged with arson and criminal damage to property. Sophia Brauer and Barry Thomas were each charged with criminal trespassing.

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Image via Associated Press