Heavy Delays on I-185 and MARTA Rail Disruptions This Wednesday Morning

Atlanta Morning Traffic Overview

Commuters in the metro Atlanta area are facing a challenging start this Wednesday, January 21, 2026. A combination of active roadwork on major interstates, mechanical issues on rail lines, and the looming threat of a significant winter storm later this week is creating a complex travel environment. Drivers should expect increased travel times and are encouraged to check their routes before heading out.

Major Interstate Incidents and Roadworks

On the highways, the most significant disruptions are occurring on I-185 and I-20. Specifically, road construction on I-185 Northbound and Southbound near SR 315 has resulted in left lane closures, leading to early morning bottlenecks. Additionally, a debris hazard on I-20 Eastbound before MLK Drive has blocked one lane, causing slow-moving traffic for those heading toward the city center.

Several major maintenance operations that began late Tuesday night may still have residual impacts on the morning rush, including:

• I-285 Southbound: Previous all-lane closures at Glenwood Road for road maintenance.
• I-20 Eastbound: Significant maintenance operations at Wesley Chapel Road.
• I-75/85 (Downtown Connector): Ongoing bridge work and lane closures near Langford Parkway and Edgewood Avenue.
• SR 9 (Spring Street): Daily lane closures for pedestrian and signal upgrades between Peachtree Street and 17th Street.

MARTA Service Alerts and Station Detours

Public transit users are advised to allow at least 20 extra minutes for their commutes this morning. MARTA has reported multiple service disruptions across the rail system:

• Red Line: Significant delays and cancellations have occurred following mechanical issues at the Airport station.
• Single Tracking: Trains are single-tracking at the Arts Center station (North/South Line) and between Inman and Candler Park (East/West Line). Expect boarding changes and platform closures in these areas.
• Faregate Construction: MARTA is currently installing a new fare collection system. This has led to entrance detours and emergency gate usage at several stations, including Dunwoody, Ashby, Lenox, and the SEC District (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) station.
• Streetcar: The Atlanta Streetcar remains out of service, with a scheduled return date of February 3, 2026.

Weather and Weekend Outlook

While road conditions remain mostly clear of ice this morning, forecasters have issued a warning for a major winter storm arriving late this week. An ice threat is projected for the weekend, which could severely impact highway and air travel at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Commuters should ensure their vehicles are winter-ready and stay tuned for emergency updates as temperatures are expected to drop significantly by Friday night.