Major Delays on Downtown Connector and I-285 for Sunday Commuters

Sunday Traffic Overview

Commuters and visitors in Atlanta should prepare for a challenging travel day this Sunday, February 22, 2026. A combination of significant infrastructure projects on the Downtown Connector and emergency repairs on the Perimeter is expected to cause substantial delays throughout the afternoon. While morning rain is forecasted to clear, the high volume of weekend construction and several high-profile local events will keep traffic heavy across the metro area.

Major Highway Alerts and Closures

The most significant impact to travel today involves the I-75/85 Northbound (Downtown Connector). The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has scheduled four left lanes to be closed throughout the day at both the Capitol/Memorial Overpass and the Piedmont/Baker exits. These closures are part of ongoing maintenance and are expected to create bottlenecks for anyone traveling through the heart of the city.

On the I-285 Perimeter, multiple work zones remain active:

• I-285 South (Outer Loop): Expect heavy delays near MLK Jr. Drive (Exit 9) due to ongoing emergency shoulder and concrete repairs. While work has progressed, lane restrictions may still linger into the afternoon.
• Westside & Southside Closures: Double right lane closures are in effect on I-285 Southbound over Mt. Gilead Road. Additionally, motorists will encounter double right lane closures on I-285 Northbound and single left lane closures on I-285 Southbound between Langford Parkway and mile marker 3.2.
• SR 400: A single left lane closure is active on SR 400 Southbound from S. Chestatee Street to Highway 53 for construction activities.

MARTA Rail and Bus Disruptions

MARTA riders should plan for extra travel time due to scheduled track work. Single-tracking is occurring at the Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Civic Center stations. All Northbound and Southbound passengers at these stations must board from the Southbound platform. Furthermore, the Red Line is currently operating between North Springs and the Airport with modified frequency.

Several bus routes are also under detour today:

• Route #30 (Lavista Road): Rerouted from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to accommodate the Atlanta Purim Parade and Festival.
• Route #36: Impacted by city construction on 10th Street between Juniper Street and Piedmont Avenue.
• Route #26 & #899: Detours remain in place for road work on Decatur Street near King Memorial Station.

Event-Related Congestion

Midtown will see increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic due to the final day of the Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest, centered at Peachtree Street and 12th Street. Drivers should avoid the immediate vicinity of 12th Street to bypass local gridlock. Additionally, Stone Mountain Park will host its Lunar New Year Festival starting at 4:00 p.m., which may increase volume on US-78 East throughout the late afternoon.

Given these conditions, residents are encouraged to use navigation apps to find alternate routes and consider MARTA where possible, despite the current rail delays.