News Summary
This past weekend, Atlanta faced severe traffic congestion resulting from ongoing construction and events, notably the Shaky Knees music festival. Key highways like I-75/85 and I-285 experienced major delays, aggravating the commuting experience. GDOT has warned of continued disruptions due to construction work, especially at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Citizens are urged to plan for delays as substantial roadwork and event traffic add to the already complicated road conditions in the city.
Atlanta experienced significant traffic congestion this past weekend due to ongoing construction and several city events, including the popular Shaky Knees music festival. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reported major delays on key highways such as I-75/85 and I-285, creating a challenging environment for commuters and travelers alike.
On Saturday, a local resident noted his frustration with the traffic, taking over an hour to navigate less than eight miles from Buckhead to downtown Atlanta. The delays were exacerbated by closed lanes and construction activities, particularly where three right lanes were blocked on I-75/85 between University Avenue and I-20 at one point. As the weekend progressed, more motorists encountered significant slowdowns, leading to ongoing complaints about the city’s traffic issues.
The City’s leadership is grappling with the dual challenge of managing ongoing construction work while accommodating a busy schedule of city events. Many residents are still commuting to attend various gatherings despite the traffic woes. Prominent events like the Shaky Knees music festival have drawn large crowds, further complicating the road conditions.
GDOT has advised drivers to expect continued delays through Monday due to construction activities on major highways, including I-75/85 and I-285. In addition, substantial work is underway at the South Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, necessitating the closure of all outer lanes on the upper level for the duration of the weekend. This airport improvement project is set to conclude on Monday, September 15, at 5 a.m., but may still pose challenges for travelers trying to reach the airport efficiently.
Travelers arriving at the airport have already witnessed increased traffic due to these lane closures, and while some recognize the need for improvements, there remain widespread concerns over accessibility and delays. Inner lanes and lower levels of the airport are still accessible for those needing to park or pick up passengers. Additionally, adjustments have been made to ParkATL shuttle pick-up and drop-off services to accommodate the changes. The MARTA rail service has also been impacted, as the Garnett Station will be closed for upgrades from Saturday through October 26.
As a response to the challenges presented by ongoing construction, GDOT has strategically paused work on the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector during peak traffic times, such as the noon game between Georgia Tech and Clemson. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion for sports fans and drivers alike. Furthermore, the city has announced a multi-million dollar road resurfacing plan, set to begin on September 15, targeting areas like Perry Boulevard and West Marietta Street.
In summary, the combination of construction projects and city events over the weekend has resulted in notable traffic congestion throughout Atlanta. Residents and visitors alike should remain informed of ongoing developments and plan accordingly for potential delays as construction work continues in the coming weeks.
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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 BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
