News Summary
Atlanta is facing significant traffic delays due to ongoing construction projects and an influx of visitors for various events. Major roadwork on I-75/85 has blocked lanes, causing extended travel times. In addition, airport construction has further complicated the situation. With the Shaky Knees music festival and a football game in town, traffic officials are urging commuters to plan ahead. GDOT has paused some construction to mitigate congestion, yet delays are expected to continue throughout the week as infrastructure improvements are undertaken.
Major Traffic Congestion in Atlanta Due to Ongoing Construction and City Events
Atlanta is experiencing significant traffic delays primarily driven by ongoing construction projects, city policies, and the influx of visitors attending various events over the weekend. Commuters across the city have reported extended travel times and congestion throughout key corridors, prompting warnings from traffic officials and transportation agencies.
Construction Projects Cause Widespread Traffic Delays
Major roadwork has been a primary factor contributing to the increased congestion. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has reported that three right lanes are blocked on I-75/85 from University Avenue to I-20. These lane closures are part of broader infrastructure improvements impacting drivers seeking to traverse downtown Atlanta. Additionally, work at the South Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has resulted in the closure of all outer lanes on the upper level throughout the weekend. This closure is part of a scheduled airport improvement project that is expected to conclude early Monday morning, specifically by 5 a.m. on September 15.
Impact on Daily Commutes and Local Traffic
Individuals commuting through the city have noted significant delays. For example, a local resident, identified as Bennett Power, shared that it took him more than an hour to cover less than eight miles during his Saturday commute. Power indicated that numerous lanes were closed, especially in the southbound direction from Buckhead, highlighting how closures have created bottlenecks during peak travel times.
Another resident, Emmandra, remarked that Atlanta constantly faces traffic issues and questioned whether construction could be scheduled in a way that minimizes impact. Despite these issues, many residents and visitors continue their routines, participating in large events such as the Shaky Knees music festival.
City and State Measures to Manage Traffic
To mitigate congestion and support event attendees, GDOT temporarily paused construction work on the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) during a high-traffic period coinciding with the Georgia Tech versus Clemson football game. This strategic decision was aimed at easing traffic flow during the game and reducing delays for fans and commuters.
Additionally, the city announced plans for a multi-million dollar road resurfacing initiative. Paving works on Perry Boulevard and West Marietta Street are scheduled to begin on September 15, with the goal of improving road quality and reducing future disruptions, though these efforts may temporarily add to existing traffic challenges.
Public Transportation and Airport Access
At the airport, travelers have noted visible signs of construction with traffic cones and detours, though inner lanes and lower levels at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport remain accessible. The airport’s parking and shuttle services have been adjusted accordingly. Commuters arriving at the airport, including travelers like Dana Mallory who visited on Friday night, are advised to plan for increased travel times due to lane closures and detours.
Regarding public transit, MARTA’s Garnett Station will be closed from Saturday through October 26 for upgrade work. Transit authorities have advised passengers to plan for alternate routes and increased travel times during this period.
Overall Conditions and Future Outlook
Traffic congestion in Atlanta is expected to persist through the upcoming week due to the combined effects of ongoing construction projects, special events, and citywide infrastructure improvements. Drivers are advised to stay informed about real-time updates from transportation agencies and to allocate extra travel time when commuting through affected areas. Local authorities continue to monitor traffic patterns and coordinate efforts to minimize inconvenience while completing necessary upgrades to the city’s transportation infrastructure.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction at Atlanta Airport Causes Lane Closures
Festivals and Events Scheduled for September in Raleigh
Lane Closures Announced for I-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 RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
