Public Service Roundup: Weekend Encampment Closures, Transit Updates, and Road Maintenance

City Notice: Bell Street Encampment Closure and Resident Support

The City of Atlanta, under the Dickens Administration, has issued a public safety and health advisory regarding the closure of the homeless encampment located near Grady Memorial Hospital on Bell Street. Official notices posted at the site indicate that the removal and cleanup process will be active through Saturday, March 7, 2026. This initiative follows a months-long outreach effort aimed at providing unhoused residents with permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing services. City officials emphasized that the closure is necessary to ensure the health and safety of both the unhoused residents and the broader downtown community. Outreach workers remain on-site to assist individuals with relocation to available shelters and specialized services.

MARTA Transit Advisory: East Lake Station and New On-Demand Service

Beginning Saturday, March 7, 2026, MARTA will launch its new "MARTA Reach" on-demand transit service for Zone 302, serving the Kirkwood and Candler Park neighborhoods. Passengers should note that this service will operate exclusively out of the north lot of the East Lake Station during this phase. This launch coincides with the ongoing East Lake Station Rehabilitation project. While the station's south entrance and pedestrian bridge are scheduled for a full closure starting Monday, March 9, riders are encouraged to begin utilizing the newly renovated north entrance immediately. The north side now features upgraded flooring, enhanced lighting, and a fully operational ADA-compliant elevator to accommodate all commuters.

GDOT Weekend Road Maintenance and Lane Closures

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has scheduled several infrastructure maintenance projects for the weekend of March 7, 2026. Motorists are advised to expect significant delays and seek alternative routes for the following work zones:

• I-285 Slab Repair: Continuous double right lane closures are active through Monday morning on I-285 in both directions between Paces Ferry Road and South Cobb Drive for critical slab restoration.
• I-75/85 Southbound: A double right lane closure is scheduled from 9:00 PM Saturday to 5:00 AM Sunday between Piedmont Avenue and University Avenue for the installation of new thermoplastic road markings.
• SR 400 Express Lanes: Ongoing lane closures continue as part of the SR 400 Express Lanes project. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and reduce speeds while traveling through these active work zones.

Public Health and Environmental Notices

The Georgia Department of Public Health continues to maintain a standing advisory regarding widespread seasonal flu activity across the metro area. Residents are urged to follow preventative measures, including frequent handwashing and staying home if symptomatic. Additionally, the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management has issued a public notice regarding the Whetstone Creek Restoration project. The city is currently inviting public comments concerning the proposed buffer variance for this environmental restoration effort, with the comment period closing on March 11, 2026.

Community Engagement: Atlanta Science Festival Launch

Official city partners and Georgia Tech are kicking off the 13th annual Atlanta Science Festival on Saturday, March 7, with the "Celebrate STEAM" event. Held on the Georgia Tech campus from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the event is free and open to the public. It features over 50 hands-on demonstrations showcasing innovation at the intersection of science and technology, serving as the official start to two weeks of science-themed programming across the city.