I-75, I-85 Shut Down for Ryan Visit

One of Atlanta's busiest thoroughfares came to a standstill Wednesday afternoon, but not for the usual rush hour reasons.

Northbound lanes of Interstate 85 from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport through the Downtown Connector and up Interstate 75 to Cobb County were closed down for the arrival of Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan at a fundraiser at the Cobb Energy Centre.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that access to all northbound entrance ramps was shut down along the affected route.

According to 11 Alive, motorists traveling on the Downtown Connector were being urged to use surface streets or alternate routes due to the rolling road block. Only secured vehicles were permitted travel in the Ryan motorcade.

Portions of the blocked-off interstates were being re-opened after the motorcade passed through.

The private fundraiser was scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday and according to the AJC report, costs a minimum $500 per person for a reception, $10,000 for a photo with Ryan and $25,000 to attend a roundtable discussion.

A photograph taken by the Georgia DOT NaviGator traffic website at 6:06 p.m. showed an empty stretch of I-75, just north of West Paces Ferry Road.

The 11 Alive report indicated that southbound lanes along the same route will be shut down after the fundraiser as Ryan heads back to the airport, but no estimated time is available yet.