News Summary
Atlanta is grappling with significant traffic congestion this weekend, caused by ongoing construction projects and events like the Shaky Knees music festival. Major roadways, including I-75 and I-85, faced severe delays and lane closures, prompting complaints from commuters. With scheduled improvements at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and a temporary MARTA rail closure adding to the turmoil, drivers are urged to plan their routes carefully amidst the challenging conditions projected to continue through Monday.
Atlanta is experiencing major traffic congestion this weekend due to ongoing construction projects and the hosting of multiple events, including the popular Shaky Knees music festival. Commuters across the city have reported significant delays, particularly on major roadways such as I-75, I-85, and at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Traffic issues were particularly pronounced on Saturday, with Bennett Power, a local resident, noting that it took him over an hour to travel a distance of less than eight miles from Buckhead southward. Reports indicate that several lanes were closed during this period, causing backups for those trying to navigate through the city. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) confirmed that three right lanes were blocked on the I-75/85 corridor between University Avenue and I-20, accounting for crowding on the highways.
Diversions and lane closures have prompted concerns from commuters. Emmandra, another Atlanta resident, remarked on the persistent nature of traffic woes in the city and wondered when construction efforts could be scheduled to minimize disruptions. Despite the difficult traffic situation, many residents continued to travel in and around the city, particularly to attend events like the Shaky Knees music festival. GDOT has advised drivers to expect ongoing delays on I-75/85 and I-285 through Monday due to the construction activities.
In addition to the highway projects, significant work is being conducted at the South Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. All outer lanes on the upper level are closed for a scheduled improvement project that will last until Monday, September 15, at 5 a.m. Dana Mallory, who arrived at the airport on Friday night, observed traffic cones and detours; however, she acknowledged that such improvements are necessary in the long-term. Fellow commuter Rashidat Mohammed expressed concern that the airport lane closures could contribute to significant delays for travelers.
Although outer lanes are temporarily closed, the inner lanes and lower levels at the airport remain accessible, with adjustments made to ParkATL shuttle pick-up and drop-off services to accommodate travelers. This situation illustrates the broader challenges faced at one of the busiest airports in the world amidst ongoing infrastructural developments.
Further complicating the city’s traffic landscape, MARTA’s Garnett Station rail service is closed from Saturday until October 26 for essential upgrades, adding to public transportation complications in the area. While these improvements aim to enhance transit service reliability in the long run, they are contributing to the current congestion crisis.
The city announced a multi-million dollar road resurfacing initiative, with paving scheduled for Perry Boulevard and West Marietta Street starting September 15. This new phase of construction is expected to further impact local traffic patterns.
In light of the congested conditions, GDOT made a temporary adjustment by pausing construction work on the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector during the noon football game between Georgia Tech and Clemson. This decision aimed to ease the traffic situation for fans traveling to the event. However, the overall outlook for Atlanta’s traffic this weekend remains challenging due to the multitude of ongoing construction projects, large city events, and growing commuter volume.
As the situation continues to develop, officials emphasize the need for patience among drivers as improvements are made, while also urging them to plan their routes accordingly to navigate the expected delays safely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Faces Lane Closures at Airport Due to Construction
Construction and Traffic Delays in Pittsburgh’s Oakland
Significant Lane Closures on I-16 for Improvement Projects
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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
