Brine Operations and Major I-285 Closures Define Friday’s Commute

Winter Weather Preparations and Brine Operations

Commuters across metro Atlanta should prepare for a busy and potentially hazardous commute this Friday, January 30, 2026, as the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) begins wide-scale brine operations. In anticipation of a winter weather event forecast for Saturday morning, crews are scheduled to begin treating interstates and high-priority routes starting at 7:00 a.m. Friday. Motorists are advised to keep a safe distance of at least 100 feet from brine trucks, which must travel at roughly 40 mph to apply the treatment effectively.

On major highways with multiple lanes, GDOT plans to focus on brining ramps and outside lanes. This means the left-hand lanes may remain untreated, increasing the risk of slippery patches if early precipitation occurs. Major focus areas for these operations include I-20, I-16, and the I-520/Bobby Jones Expressway, as well as several state routes in the metro area.

Major Roadworks and Interchange Closures

Ongoing construction continues to impact traffic flow on the west side of the city. As part of the $1.2 billion I-285/I-20 West Interchange project, several lane closures are in effect through the end of the day Friday:

• I-285 Southbound: Expect single and double right-lane closures between Cascade Road and Bolton Road.
• I-285/US 78: Single right-lane and shoulder closures are scheduled from Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway to MLK Jr. Drive.
• I-20 Eastbound: Lane closures will affect the stretch from the Anderson Avenue underpass to Riverside Parkway.

Additionally, maintenance operations on the 75/85 Downtown Connector southbound near University Avenue may cause significant delays during the mid-morning and early afternoon hours.

MARTA Alerts and Public Transit Changes

Public transit users should note several service adjustments today. The Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has announced the following alerts:

• Five Points Station: The East-West center platform is currently open for Southbound transfers ONLY. Passengers needing Northbound service or exiting the station must use the right-hand side platforms.
• Streetcar Service: Streetcar operations remain suspended due to utility repair work. Shuttle vans are providing service to all stops on the normal schedule.
• Facility Issues: Escalator and elevator renovations are impacting several stations, including Lindbergh Center, Lenox, Arts Center, and Sandy Springs. At Garnett Station, mobility shuttle service is being provided between station entrances due to elevator maintenance.

Commuter Advice

With the combination of winter weather preparation and heavy infrastructure work, travelers are encouraged to allow an extra 20 to 30 minutes for their morning and evening commutes. Keep an eye on local alerts for any localized disruptions related to a planned rally in the Cobb County area, which may affect surface street traffic near municipal buildings. Stay updated via official transport apps and avoid non-essential travel if conditions begin to deteriorate late tonight.