MARTA Single Tracking and Midtown Sewer Repairs Drive Tuesday Delays
Morning Commute Overview
Today, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Atlanta commuters should prepare for a mix of transit adjustments and persistent construction zones. While the morning rush is beginning with clear weather, significant infrastructure projects in Midtown and extensive rail maintenance on the MARTA North-South line are the primary factors likely to extend travel times for those heading into the city center.
MARTA Service Disruptions
Passengers relying on MARTA rail this morning will encounter several critical service alterations. A major maintenance project has necessitated single tracking on the North-South line. Specifically, at the Garnett, West End, Oakland City, and Lakewood stations, the Southbound platforms are closed. All passengers at these locations must board from the Northbound platform. Similar single tracking is in effect at Brookhaven station, where the Southbound side of the platform is also out of service.
The Red Line is operating on a modified schedule, with trains running only between North Springs and Lindbergh Center. Commuters traveling further south must transfer to the Gold Line at Lindbergh to reach Downtown or Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Furthermore, at the Five Points hub, the East-West center platform remains restricted to Southbound transfers only. Passengers needing to exit the station or transfer Northbound must use the specific side platforms as indicated by station signage.
Bus riders should also be vigilant, as several morning routes, including Route 1 (Marietta Blvd), Route 15 (South DeKalb), and Route 21 (Memorial Drive), have reported scheduled trip cancellations throughout the morning hours.
Major Roadworks and Surface Street Closures
In Midtown, motorists are advised to avoid the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue. Long-term sewer replacement projects have resulted in significant lane closures that are expected to cause heavy gridlock. Local traffic is also being redirected in Downtown Atlanta due to emergency sewer repairs that have closed several through-lanes.
For those commuting from the northern suburbs, the State Road 9 (Main Street) widening project in Alpharetta remains a major factor between Upper Hembree Road and Windward Parkway. In DeKalb County, the bridge replacement project on Briarcliff Road near Emory University continues to slow traffic. Drivers should also be aware of the lingering effects of a major tractor-trailer incident reported on I-285 Southbound near Covington Highway, which may cause secondary delays as cleanup and barrier inspections conclude.
Airport and Special Alerts
Travelers heading to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport should check their flight status before departing. Atlanta is currently managing over 160 flight delays following a chaotic holiday weekend. Additionally, an annular solar eclipse is occurring today. Motorists should be prepared for sudden changes in natural lighting and are urged not to stop on highway shoulders to view the phenomenon, as this creates a significant safety hazard for other drivers.