News Summary
Atlanta is currently facing significant traffic delays this weekend due to ongoing construction projects and large city events. Commuters are experiencing extended travel times, especially on major highways and around transit hubs. Key lane closures, particularly on I-75/85, have compounded the congestion. The Shaky Knees music festival has further increased traffic volume, leading to warnings of continued delays. Additionally, construction at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has disrupted access for travelers. Authorities advise planning ahead and allowing extra travel time to navigate the busy roads.
Major Traffic Congestion in Atlanta Due to Ongoing Construction and City Events
Atlanta is experiencing significant traffic delays over the weekend as ongoing construction projects and city events continue to impact travel times across the city. Commuters are facing extended delays, particularly on major highways and around key transit hubs, disrupting normal travel routines for residents and visitors alike.
Traffic Bottlenecks and Road Closures
Major construction activity has been identified as a primary contributor to the traffic congestion. For example, on Saturday, a local resident reported spending over an hour traveling less than eight miles. The commute involved navigating several closed lanes, which slowed traffic considerably. Specifically, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) confirmed that three right lanes were blocked on I-75/85 between University Avenue and I-20 within the downtown corridor. These lane closures are part of ongoing efforts to improve the traffic infrastructure but have led to notable delays during peak hours.
Impact on Major Routes and City Events
Atlanta’s busy weekend also includes major events such as the Shaky Knees music festival, which has attracted large crowds and added to traffic volumes in the city. Despite the congestion, many commuters and event-goers continue to travel through affected areas. GDOT has issued warnings that delays will persist through Monday on key highways, including I-75/85 and I-285, due to construction activities that are temporarily disrupting normal traffic flow.
Construction at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Work is underway at the South Terminal of Atlanta’s primary airport, where all outer lanes on the upper level are closed for the weekend. This project is part of airport improvements scheduled to conclude by early Monday morning, specifically until 5 a.m. on September 15. Airport officials and travelers have noted increased traffic cones and detours around the facility, which have contributed to delays for arriving and departing flights.
While the outer lanes are closed, inner lanes and the lower levels of the terminal remain accessible. The ParkATL shuttle service has adjusted its pick-up and drop-off points to help mitigate delays. Despite the inconvenience, Airport authorities emphasize that these upgrades are necessary for long-term enhancement of passenger experience and safety at the facility.
Public Transit and City Infrastructure Projects
Additional transportation disruptions include the temporary closure of MARTA’s Garnett Station rail service, which is closed from Saturday through October 26 for upgrades and maintenance work. Transit users are advised to plan alternative routes during this period to avoid inconvenience.
Furthermore, the city has announced a multi-million dollar road resurfacing plan. Paving operations on Perry Boulevard and West Marietta Street are scheduled to begin on September 15, aiming to improve infrastructure and road quality. However, these efforts are expected to temporarily impact traffic flow in these neighborhoods.
Traffic Management Measures and Additional Work
In an effort to ease congestion during high-traffic events, GDOT temporarily paused construction work on the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector during the televised noon game between Georgia Tech and Clemson. Such measures are aimed at providing ample access for sports fans and reducing delays during key moments of the event.
Overall, ongoing construction projects across Atlanta are significantly contributing to increased traffic congestion throughout the city. Authorities continue to advise drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and stay updated on real-time traffic conditions to minimize inconvenience during this busy period.
As construction and city activities proceed, officials emphasize the importance of patience and adherence to posted detours and signage to ensure safety and smoother traffic flow in the coming days.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major Lane Closures at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport This Weekend
Virginia Highland Considers Removing Parking Meters to Boost Business Climate
Lane Closures for Interstate 16 Improvement Project
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 VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
