ATLANTA — It didn't take long for the I-85 bridge collapse to become political fodder.
In a 2:35 a.m. email to supporters, Fulton County Commission Chair John Eaves, a candidate in the crowded Atlanta mayoral race, called the traffic misery staring Atlanta in the face in the aftermath of the massive I-85 fire and collapse a crisis that "exposes the underlying issue of the lack of a cohesive and comprehensive transportation plan."
He got in a subtle dig at the guy currently holding the job he seeks.
"We need leaders who have a vision, not those looking for solutions used during the 1996 Olympics," Eaves wrote. "We need leaders who roll up their sleeves to develop robust public policy, not people who roll up to a scene because there are cameras."
During a news conference late Thursday, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed urged commuters to look back as they brace for transportation challenges to come.
"We need a flashback moment to when we had the Centennial Olympic Games, to when we used MARTA," Reed said, adding that the transit system has extended its operating hours.
Eaves' email asserts he is the "ONLY mayoral candidate who has been actively taking a leadership role to resolve the issues."
Atlanta City Council members Kwanza Hall and Ceasar Mitchell, also mayoral candidates, are taking a different approach - posting informative updates rather than political commentary:
Here is a map for detours. Thanks @511Georgia https://t.co/cYTJXPz9FJ
— Kwanza Hall (@kwanzahall) March 31, 2017
Detour map for Piedmont Road. Via @511Georgia pic.twitter.com/QveNyNKQYd
— Kwanza Hall (@kwanzahall) March 31, 2017
Updated Detour visual: Piedmont Road from Cheshire Bridge Road to Sidney Marcus Blvd. #Planahead #MetroATL @511Georgia pic.twitter.com/8WuLm1XOK5
— Georgia DOT (@GADeptofTrans) March 31, 2017
Mitchell's pinned tweet offers words of support and thanks to first responders:
Interstate fire and bridge collapse on I-85. Thanks @ATLFireRescue for your hard work! Grateful for no serious injuries.
— Ceasar Mitchell (@ceasarcmitchell) March 31, 2017
Ditto City Council member Keisha Lance Bottoms:
Thankful for the brave men & women of @ATLFireRescue. Prayers for safety and patience of those impacted. #I85 pic.twitter.com/cpOi8C4QY3
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) March 30, 2017
State Sen. Vincent Fort - who was tied up last night as the Georgia Legislature wrapped up this year's session - took a similar approach, retweeting information aimed at helping commuters navigate the mess:
Save and Share: Here are the detours you'll need to know and navigate after the #85collapse, from @GADeptofTrans. pic.twitter.com/j2cftMsUeL
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) March 31, 2017
Look for other mayoral candidates to weigh in swiftly as the 85 disaster aftermath, certain to be a key issue in the race, wreaks havoc on Atlantans' commutes.
Cox Media Group