MARTA Airport Station Faregate Closure and I-285/I-20 Construction Impact Monday Commute
Monday Commute Overview for March 2, 2026
As the first workweek of March begins, Atlanta commuters should prepare for significant changes to public transit access and ongoing heavy construction on the city's east side. While Monday morning traffic is following typical patterns, two major infrastructure projects—the MARTA fare system overhaul and the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project—will create specific bottlenecks for travelers today.
MARTA Alert: Airport Station Faregate Shutdown
The most critical update for transit users today is at the MARTA Airport Station. Starting today, Monday, March 2, all faregates at the Airport Station are closed as part of the system-wide installation of the new fare collection system. Travelers heading to or from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport should note the following:
- Passengers must enter and exit the airport through North and South Terminal doors W-1 and W-2.
- To access the trains, commuters are being directed to use the station's emergency doors facing the West Curb shuttle loop.
- While the concourse remains open for ticket purchases, you will not need to tap your card at the airport; instead, you will pay your fare upon reaching your destination station.
Additionally, MARTA is operating on a special rail schedule today for the Gold and Red lines. Trains are expected to run every 10 to 20 minutes. Commuters on the East-West line should also be aware that single-tracking continues near Five Points, with the center platform open for southbound transfers only.
Major Roadwork: I-285 and I-20 Interchange
Drivers on the east side of the Perimeter will face ongoing delays due to the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project. Scheduled lane closures for today include:
- I-285 Southbound: Single and double lane closures from the Interchange to Columbia Drive are active from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- I-285 Northbound: Similar closures are in effect between Columbia Drive and Glenwood Avenue.
- I-20 Eastbound and Westbound: Expect alternating lane and shoulder closures between Wesley Chapel Road and Panola Road throughout the day.
In Midtown, construction continues on SR 9 (Spring Street) between Peachtree Street and 17th Street. Crews are currently installing concrete medians, bike lanes, and pedestrian lighting, which may cause intermittent lane narrowing during off-peak hours.
Local Traffic Notices
In the greater metro area, a significant road closure begins today in Gainesville. Valley Road, between Crepe Myrtle Lane and Blue Ridge Drive, is closed for a month-long water main improvement project. Local detours are in place, but through-traffic is prohibited. Finally, those attending the Atlanta Salsa and Bachata Festival at the Courtland Grand Hotel or the evening yoga session at The Battery should expect increased local congestion in those specific corridors through the evening hours.