News Summary
Atlanta is experiencing significant traffic congestion this weekend caused by ongoing construction and various city events, affecting commuters and travelers. The Georgia Department of Transportation has warned of expected delays through Monday, particularly on key highways such as I-75/85 and I-285. Notable lane closures have been reported, and residents have voiced frustrations about the timing of construction, which coincides with popular events like the Shaky Knees music festival. Additionally, major work at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and the MARTA rail service shutdown further complicates the traffic situation across the city.
Atlanta is facing significant traffic congestion this weekend due to ongoing construction and a series of city events, affecting commuters and travelers as they navigate the busy streets. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has indicated that delays are expected to continue through Monday on key highways, including I-75/85 and I-285, as construction work progresses.
Traffic congestion was notably severe on Saturday, as reported by several commuters. One resident, Bennett Power, recounted a frustrating experience where it took more than an hour to travel less than eight miles from Buckhead toward downtown Atlanta. He encountered multiple lane closures that contributed to the slow-moving traffic.
The GDOT confirmed that at one point during the weekend, three right lanes were blocked between University Avenue and I-20 on I-75/85. This construction work forms part of ongoing improvement initiatives across the state.
Local residents are lamenting the perpetual traffic issues that have become synonymous with Atlanta. Emmandra, another Atlanta resident, voiced her concerns about the timing of construction projects, questioning the feasibility of conducting such work without causing substantial inconvenience to drivers and residents.
Despite the chaos on the roads, many individuals are continuing with their plans to attend various events in the city, such as the popular Shaky Knees music festival. This influx of attendees has further exacerbated the traffic situation, as large crowds are converging in specific areas of the city.
Alongside the traffic concerns on the highways, significant work is being undertaken at the South Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This improvement project, which is set to last through Monday, September 15, is closing all outer lanes on the upper level of the terminal. Dana Mallory, a traveler who arrived at the airport recently, navigated her way through traffic cones and detours but expressed understanding regarding the necessity for upgrades at the airport.
Passengers like Rashidat Mohammed are apprehensive about the impact of the lane closures on overall traffic, anticipating potential delays. Even though the outer lanes are closed, inner lanes and lower levels at the airport remain accessible, allowing travelers to still navigate the airport with adjusted ParkATL shuttle pick-up and drop-off procedures in place.
In addition to the challenges posed by airport construction, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is also impacting transportation by closing its Garnett Station rail service from Saturday through October 26 for significant upgrades. This shutdown could further complicate transit options for those relying on public transportation during this busy period.
The ongoing construction is part of a larger city initiative. Atlanta officials recently announced a multi-million dollar road resurfacing plan, with paving activities slated for Perry Boulevard and West Marietta Street beginning on September 15. These efforts aim to improve the overall infrastructure within the city but also contribute to present-day congestion.
GDOT is also coordinating their construction efforts with local events, having paused work on the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector during the noon game between Georgia Tech and Clemson to help alleviate potential traffic for sports fans attending the match.
The combination of construction projects and city events is creating a challenging environment for Atlanta’s commuters. As efforts continue to improve the city’s infrastructure, motorists and travelers are advised to plan ahead and expect delays, especially through the weekend.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Temporary Lane Closures at Atlanta Airport This Weekend
Waymo Expands Self-Driving Technology Testing in NYC and Philadelphia
Debate Over NYC Mayoral Candidate’s Grocery Store Proposal
Waymo Applies for Permit to Test Robotaxis in New York City
FAA Implements Nationwide Lithium Battery Ban for Flights
U.S. Cities Brace for Business Travel Resurgence Amid Decline
Major U.S. Cities Expect Rebound in Business Travel
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 NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
