Morning Delays on the Downtown Connector and Key Arterial Closures Across Atlanta

Atlanta Traffic and Commute Overview

Commuters navigating the metro Atlanta area this Thursday, February 12, 2026, should prepare for a challenging morning drive. A combination of ongoing sewer construction, major interstate roadworks, and a multi-vehicle accident on the Downtown Connector is currently impacting travel times across the city. While public transit remains a viable alternative, several MARTA bus routes are experiencing cancellations that may affect those relying on surface connections.

Major Roadworks and Arterial Closures

The most significant disruption this morning is on the I-75/85 Connector. Both northbound and southbound lanes are seeing heavy congestion due to a mix of scheduled construction and an early morning accident near University Avenue. Delays are currently stretching back several miles, and drivers are encouraged to use the I-285 perimeter as an alternative to avoid the downtown core.

• Eastland Road Closure: A major section of Eastland Road between Ripplewater Drive and Moreland Avenue is closed today for critical sewer repairs. This project, which began earlier this week, is expected to cause significant detours for local traffic through February 13.
• SR 400 Express Lanes Project: In the northern suburbs, motorists on SR 400 will encounter shoulder closures between Union Hill Road and Shiloh Road. These closures are active from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM as part of the ongoing Express Lanes expansion. While all main lanes remain open, the activity is causing rubbernecking delays through Sandy Springs and Alpharetta.
• I-285 Lane Restrictions: Maintenance crews have active double-lane closures on I-285 South near Paces Ferry Road and South Cobb Drive. Additionally, construction near Mount Gilead Road is impacting the southwest quadrant of the perimeter.

MARTA and Public Transit Updates

MARTA rail services have largely returned to a standard weekday schedule following early morning maintenance. The restrictive transfer patterns at Five Points Station, which limited platform access earlier today, have been lifted as of 6:00 AM. Trains are now running on their regular 10-to-20-minute frequency across the Red, Gold, Blue, and Green lines.

However, bus riders should be aware of several cancellations. Impacted routes include Route 2 (North Ave/East Lake), Route 14 (Midtown/Marietta Blvd), and Route 15 (Decatur/Panthersville). MARTA recommends checking real-time arrival data before heading to your stop, as some gaps in service are expected to persist through the midday period. Additionally, several escalators remain out of service for repairs at the Lenox and East Point stations.

Commuter Safety and Planning

With heavy traffic reported on major arteries, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) urges drivers to remain vigilant in work zones. If you are traveling through the I-75/85 corridor, allow for an extra 20 to 30 minutes of travel time. For those looking to avoid the gridlock entirely, MARTA rail continues to offer the most reliable travel times into the city center this morning.