East Lake Station Closure and Daylight Saving Adjustments Impact Monday Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Good morning, Atlanta. As we settle into the first full work week of March, commuters should be prepared for a combination of significant transit changes and the annual adjustment to Daylight Saving Time. Following yesterday's time jump, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is urging extra caution this morning as drivers adjust to darker early-morning conditions and potential fatigue.

Major MARTA Service Updates

The most significant update for rail users today is the closure of the south entrance at East Lake Station. Starting today, Monday, March 9, 2026, the south entrance will remain closed through May 30 for planned facility upgrades. Passengers are advised to use the north entrance and allow for extra walking time to platforms. Additionally, work continues at the Arts Center Station where the southbound platform remains closed; all passengers must board from the northbound side.

Commuters should also be aware of the following rail and bus adjustments:

• MARTA Reach: The new on-demand rideshare service, which launched this past Saturday, is now fully operational in 12 designated zones. This service is designed to bridge the gap for those affected by recent bus route modifications.
• King Memorial to SEC District: Residual single-tracking may cause minor delays on the Blue and Green lines as maintenance wraps up from the weekend.
• Route 183 Detour: Due to ongoing safety concerns on Niskey Lake Road, Route 183 remains on detour until further notice.

Roadwork and Highway Conditions

Major weekend construction projects on the I-285 Westside corridor and the Downtown Connector were scheduled to clear by 5:00 AM today. However, residual congestion is expected near the following areas due to the high volume of heavy equipment moving out of work zones:

• I-285 Southbound: Expect slow-moving traffic between Paces Ferry Road (Exit 18) and South Cobb Drive (Exit 15) following double right lane closures that were active over the weekend.
• Downtown Connector (I-75/85): Tunnel lighting installation at the Piedmont/Baker overpass has concluded, but some lane narrowing may persist near Edgewood Avenue as crews finalize thermoplastic installations.
• I-20 Westbound: Maintenance operations near Columbia Drive may cause localized rubbernecking during the peak morning rush.

Commuter Safety Reminders

With the shift to Daylight Saving Time, GDOT reminds all motorists to stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists who may be less visible in the dawn hours. Ensure your headlights are clean and functioning, and try to avoid making sudden lane changes in high-congestion zones like the I-285/I-85 interchanges.