News Summary
Atlanta is experiencing severe traffic congestion due to ongoing construction projects and large-scale events, including the Shaky Knees music festival. Reports indicate that drivers face lengthy delays, particularly on I-75/85 and I-285, as major roadwork coincides with high traffic periods. Key projects, notably at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, are set to continue through the weekend, impacting public transit services. The situation necessitates careful planning for commuters and residents, highlighting the need for updated traffic information to navigate the challenging conditions.
Atlanta is currently facing significant traffic congestion due to ongoing construction projects and large-scale city events over the weekend. The situation has become exacerbated as major roadwork coincides with events that draw large crowds, notably the Shaky Knees music festival, resulting in commuters experiencing severe delays.
As reported, one resident traveling from Buckhead reported taking over an hour to cover less than eight miles, primarily due to numerous lane closures affecting major routes. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has confirmed that at one point three right lanes were blocked on I-75/85 between University Avenue and I-20, contributing to the already congested conditions on the roads. Local commuter Emmandra noted that traffic consistently plagues the city, raising concerns about when construction could be scheduled without major disruptions.
Drivers are warned to expect continued delays through Monday, particularly on I-75/85 and I-285, as construction is projected to persist throughout the weekend. One of the significant projects is at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s South Terminal, where all outer lanes on the upper level are closed for improvements. This airport project is scheduled to conclude by Monday, September 15, at 5 a.m. Other areas, including the inner lanes and lower levels of the airport, remain accessible; however, adjustments have been made for shuttle pick-up and drop-off services to accommodate the closure.
As residents navigate the impacted areas, ongoing construction has also affected the MARTA rail services. Garnett Station is closed starting Saturday and is set to remain shut down through October 26 for necessary upgrades, further complicating public transit options for travelers and commuters. Additionally, the city has announced a multi-million dollar road resurfacing initiative, beginning with paving on Perry Boulevard and West Marietta Street set to start September 15.
Officials have taken measures to alleviate some congestion by temporarily pausing construction work on the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector during the noon game between Georgia Tech and Clemson. This effort aims to better manage traffic flow for the influx of fans expected for the event. However, despite these adjustments, ongoing construction efforts are still contributing to the overall increased congestion throughout Atlanta.
The combination of major construction projects, ongoing improvements at Atlanta’s busiest airport, and city events indicates that traffic conditions may remain challenging in the coming days. Those traveling in and around the area are advised to remain patient and plan ahead for potential delays, particularly as the weekend draws to a close and major commuter times return. The situation underscores the necessity for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about the latest traffic updates and construction schedules to better navigate the city during this period of increased congestion.
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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, 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 the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
