Overnight Ramp Closures at Downtown Connector and I-285 Lane Shifts Impact Friday Commute

Morning Rush: Residual Delays Near the Downtown Connector

Good morning, Atlanta. As we head into the commute for Friday, February 13, 2026, drivers should be mindful of several major roadworks projects that may impact travel times throughout the metro area. The most significant disruption for early-morning travelers involves the ongoing nightly closure of the I-20 Eastbound and Westbound ramps to I-75/85 North (the Downtown Connector). While these ramps are scheduled to reopen by 5:00 AM, residual delays and heavy congestion are expected as the morning volume builds through the interchange.

Major Arteries and Roadworks Alerts

Several long-term and temporary construction projects are active today. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has flagged the following areas for potential bottlenecks:

• I-285 Westside: Double right lane closures are in effect on I-285 Southbound near Mount Gilead Road (mile markers 5.2 to 3.2). Additionally, travelers in Cobb and Fulton counties should watch for lane shifts and double right lane closures between Paces Ferry Road and South Cobb Drive.
• SR 400 Express Lanes: Maintenance and project staging continue today between Union Hill Road and Shiloh Road. Daily lane and shoulder closures are scheduled from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, which may lead to midday slowdowns for Northbound commuters.
• I-285/I-20 West Interchange: Nightly survey work and lane closures are part of the ongoing reconstruction project. Be alert for rolling closures near the Fulton Industrial Boulevard area during the pre-dawn hours.

MARTA Service and Station Updates

Public transport users should also plan for specific service modifications. MARTA has issued the following alerts for Friday morning:

• Five Points Station Transformation: Due to the ongoing station upgrades, the East-West center platform at Five Points is restricted. It is currently open for Southbound transfers only. Passengers exiting the station or transferring to Northbound trains must use the right-hand side platforms relative to their direction of travel.
• Bus Service Adjustments: Several early-morning bus routes have experienced cancellations or delays, specifically impacting Route 12 (Midtown to Cumberland Transfer Center) and Route 15 (Decatur). Additionally, Route 36 continues its long-term detour between Midtown Station and Virginia Avenue.

Commuter Advice

With Friday traffic traditionally seeing a peak in the late afternoon, commuters are encouraged to finish their travel early if possible. Always exercise caution and reduce speed when moving through active work zones, particularly on the I-285 top-end and near the I-20 interchange. For those using MARTA, checking the real-time service map before leaving is highly recommended to avoid any unexpected bus cancellations.