News Summary
Atlanta is facing significant traffic delays this weekend as ongoing construction projects and city events contribute to widespread congestion across key areas. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, as road closures and lane restrictions will affect travel until Monday. The situation is exacerbated by major constructions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and a new road resurfacing plan on Perry Boulevard and West Marietta Street. GDOT is working to manage traffic flow during this busy period, particularly around city events like the Shaky Knees music festival.
Major Traffic Congestion in Atlanta Due to Ongoing Construction and City Events
Atlanta is experiencing significant traffic delays this weekend as ongoing construction projects and city events contribute to widespread congestion across key areas. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and anticipate delays through Monday, as multiple road closures and lane restrictions impact travel throughout the city.
Heavy Traffic Caused by Construction Projects
Construction activities remain a primary factor in the current traffic issues. Notably, work at the South Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has led to the closure of all outer lanes on the upper level during the weekend. This project is scheduled to conclude by Monday, September 15, at 5 a.m., with authorities emphasizing the importance of the upgrades for airport efficiency and safety.
Additionally, a multi-million dollar road resurfacing plan has commenced on Perry Boulevard and West Marietta Street, with work starting on September 15. These efforts are part of the city’s broader initiative to improve infrastructure but currently contribute to increased traffic delays.
Impact of Traffic Congestion on Commutes and Events
Drivers like Bennett Power have reported lengthy commutes, with Power stating it took him over an hour to travel less than eight miles during Saturday’s rush hour. He also noted that multiple lanes were closed while heading south from Buckhead, which considerably slowed his journey.
An Atlanta resident, Emmandra, expressed ongoing frustration with traffic issues, questioning when construction schedules might be adjusted to minimize inconvenience. Despite these issues, many residents and visitors continue to attend city-wide events, including the popular Shaky Knees music festival.
Road Closures and Traffic Management Efforts
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reported that at one point, three right lanes of I-75/85 were blocked from University Avenue to I-20. GDOT has also coordinated the suspension of construction on the Downtown Connector during the high-traffic period of the noon game between Georgia Tech and Clemson. These measures aim to facilitate smoother flow for fans and commuters during the event.
Airport Operations and Transit Disruptions
Work at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is affecting traffic patterns and access routes. In addition to the upper level closures, the airport’s inner lanes and lower levels remain accessible, with shuttle services operated by ParkATL adjusting to new pick-up and drop-off locations. Rashidat Mohammed voiced concern that the lane closures could cause substantial delays for travelers, especially during peak hours.
Furthermore, MARTA’s Garnett Station rail service will be closed from Saturday through October 26 for upgrades, potentially impacting transit options for commuters relying on public transportation.
City-Wide Infrastructure Improvements and Future Plans
Beyond construction projects, officials have announced a road resurfacing initiative covering various parts of the city. These improvements are part of broader efforts to modernize Atlanta’s transportation infrastructure but are expected to generate additional travel disruptions during the initial phases.
Summary
Overall, ongoing construction, city events, and infrastructure upgrades are major contributors to Atlanta’s current traffic congestion. Drivers are urged to stay informed about road closures and plan their routes accordingly to mitigate delays. GDOT and city authorities continue to coordinate efforts to manage traffic flow and ensure safety during this period of extensive road work and city activity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Temporary Lane Closures at Atlanta Airport for Construction
Washington, D.C. Claims Title for Worst Traffic in the U.S.
Lane Closures Planned for I-16 Widening and Reconstruction
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 WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
