Atlanta, September 21, 2025

News Summary

Atlanta faced significant traffic congestion this past weekend as major construction projects and events, such as the Shaky Knees music festival, disrupted roadways. Commuters reported frustrating delays, with key highways affected by lane closures. The Georgia Department of Transportation advised residents to expect continued delays as construction efforts and airport improvements progressed. Additionally, the closure of the Garnett Station by MARTA for upgrades has further complicated public transit, leading to calls for better planning around roadwork in the city.

Major Traffic Congestion in Atlanta Due to Ongoing Construction and City Events

Atlanta residents and commuters experienced severe traffic congestion this past weekend, primarily due to major construction projects and events ongoing across the city. Many roadways were impacted, leading to frustrating delays that affected thousands of drivers.

One commuter noted that it took an hour to travel less than eight miles from Buckhead to downtown Atlanta. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reported that at one point, three right lanes were closed from University Avenue to I-20 on the I-75/85 corridor, contributing to the slowdown. Meanwhile, a local resident expressed concerns about when construction projects would take place without causing significant traffic interruptions.

Despite the heavy traffic, many people continued to commute for ongoing events, such as the Shaky Knees music festival, which drew large crowds to the downtown area. GDOT has warned drivers to expect delays through Monday on major routes including I-75/85 and I-285, as construction and other disruptions continue to affect travel times.

In addition to construction on the highways, the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is currently undergoing improvement work. This has closed all outer lanes on the upper level for the weekend, creating additional traffic challenges. The airport renovation is scheduled to last until Monday, September 15, at 5 a.m. One traveler reported encountering numerous traffic cones and detours but acknowledged the necessity of the upgrades.

Concerns were raised regarding potential delays caused by the lane closures at the airport. However, it is worth noting that inner lanes and lower levels at the airport remain accessible, although the ParkATL shuttle pick-up and drop-off locations have been adjusted accordingly. This situation aims to mitigate some of the travel issues arising from the construction work.

Furthermore, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announced the closure of its Garnett Station rail service starting Saturday and continuing through October 26 for essential upgrades. This closure is expected to disrupt public transportation for those relying on rail services, thereby adding to the overall traffic challenges in the city.

To address the ongoing issues, the city has launched a multi-million dollar road resurfacing plan. Paving operations on Perry Boulevard and West Marietta Street are set to begin on September 15, further impacting traffic flow. Recognizing the importance of accommodating traffic during significant local events, GDOT has even paused construction on the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector during the noon game between Georgia Tech and Clemson to help ease congestion for fans.

As Atlanta continues with numerous infrastructure projects aimed at improving road conditions, the immediate impact on traffic remains significant. Commuters are advised to plan accordingly and expect delays on multiple routes as work proceeds and events continue.

FAQ

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Key Features of the Article

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Lane Closures at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport This Weekend

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

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