News Summary
Atlanta is grappling with major traffic congestion caused by ongoing construction projects and various city events. Commuters are facing significant delays, with reports of travel times exceeding an hour for short distances. The Georgia Department of Transportation confirmed multiple lane closures contributing to the chaos. Events like the Shaky Knees music festival and important construction at the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport are exacerbating the situation. GDOT suggests that traffic will remain heavy through Monday, urging drivers to plan for longer travel times amid infrastructure improvements.
Atlanta is experiencing major traffic congestion this weekend due to ongoing construction projects and multiple city events. The increased traffic has caused significant delays for commuters, impacting travel times throughout the city.
One commuter, Bennett Power, reported taking over an hour to travel less than eight miles from Buckhead to downtown Atlanta on Saturday. He experienced several closed lanes during his journey. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) confirmed that at one point, three right lanes were blocked on I-75/85 from University Avenue to I-20, contributing to the heavy traffic conditions.
The traffic congestion comes as many residents and visitors are commuting to attend events like the Shaky Knees music festival. Despite the traffic, citizens are still traveling for leisure and other commitments. However, resident Emmandra highlighted the ongoing struggle with traffic in Atlanta, raising concerns about when the construction would be completed without causing significant inconvenience to drivers.
According to GDOT, drivers should expect delays through Monday on I-75/85 and I-285 as construction work continues. In addition to the interstate congestion, work is underway at the South Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is currently closing all outer lanes on the upper level for the weekend. This airport improvement project is set to last until Monday, September 15, at 5 a.m., and is expected to further exacerbate traffic delays in the area.
Travelers at the airport, like Dana Mallory, have noted the presence of traffic cones and detours, though many recognize the importance of these improvements. Concerns about the lane closures at the airport have been expressed by airport patrons, as significant delays are anticipated due to the construction. However, it is important to note that inner lanes and lower levels at the airport remain accessible, and adjustments have been made to the ParkATL shuttle pick-up and drop-off locations in light of the ongoing work.
In another area of the city, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has temporarily closed Garnett Station rail service from Saturday through October 26 to facilitate upgrades, adding another layer of complexity to the region’s transit issues.
The city has also announced a multi-million dollar road resurfacing plan, with work scheduled to begin on Perry Boulevard and West Marietta Street starting September 15. This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in Atlanta, although the construction has already started to affect traffic patterns across different neighborhoods.
To mitigate congestion during high-traffic periods, GDOT made a temporary pause in construction work on the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector during the noon game between Georgia Tech and Clemson. The decision was made with the intent to alleviate traffic for fans attending the match and demonstrates ongoing efforts to manage traffic issues amid the substantial construction activities.
As construction continues and commuters face challenges, GDOT and local authorities remind drivers to plan accordingly and allow extra travel time. The combination of major events and essential road work is contributing to increased traffic congestion throughout Atlanta, raising questions about how to effectively manage the city’s transportation needs while improving infrastructure.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Traffic Disruptions Expected at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
Chicago Honors Leading Personal Injury Lawyer for Achievements
Georgia DOT Announces Lane Closures on Interstate 16
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Construction Causes Traffic During Busy Atlanta Weekend
- WSBTV: Weekend Traffic Shaky Knees & Road Construction
- WALB: Construction Impacting Traffic at Atlanta Airport’s South Terminal
- 11Alive: Major Roadwork Causing Massive Delays Downtown Connector Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
