Winter Storm Watch Active; Major MARTA Construction Hits Ashby Station Today

Friday Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in Atlanta face a complex morning on Friday, January 23, 2026, as the city balances a major public transit overhaul with a looming weather threat. While highway traffic is currently moving at typical Friday speeds, officials have issued a State of Emergency in preparation for a winter storm arriving this weekend. On the rails, commuters will find significant changes at several key stations as MARTA begins the next phase of its system-wide technology upgrades.

MARTA: Ashby Station and Better Breeze Upgrades

Starting today, Friday, January 23, Ashby Station enters a intensive construction phase. As part of the "Better Breeze" fare system rollout, all faregates at the station are being replaced. Riders should be aware of the following transit impacts:

• Ashby Station: All faregates are under construction. Passengers must enter and exit via emergency gates and are advised to pay their fares at their final destination station.
• Five Points: A rider alert remains in effect for the East-West center platform, which is restricted to Southbound transfers only. Passengers exiting or moving Northbound should utilize the right-hand side platforms.
• Streetcar Service: Service on the Atlanta Streetcar remains suspended due to ongoing utility repairs. MARTA is providing shuttle vans that serve all streetcar stops on the regular schedule.
• System Upgrades: These disruptions are part of a 2026 initiative to modernize fare collection, which includes new validators and ticket vending machines across the metro area. Riders are encouraged to allow an additional 10 to 15 minutes for their morning transfers.

Highway Alerts: I-285 and I-20 Work Zones

Motorists on the West Side and the Top End of the Perimeter should prepare for shifting lanes and active work zones. The 2026 construction calendar is now in full swing, specifically impacting the following areas:

• West Metro I-285: Preliminary work has begun on the West Metro expansion between GA-400 and Paces Ferry Road. While most heavy machinery is currently off the main travel lanes, drivers should expect narrow lanes and a heavy presence of safety vehicles.
• I-20 Paving: Overnight paving crews are finishing work near the Wesley Chapel Road and Columbia Drive exits. Minor left-lane restrictions may linger through the mid-morning hours as crews clear the site.
• Top End 285: Following the recent federal authorization of the "Top End" project, surveyors are active near Ashford Dunwoody Road. Watch for HERO units assisting with minor shoulder closures.

Severe Weather Warning: Winter Storm Watch

The most critical alert for the day is the National Weather Service's Winter Storm Watch, which covers Gwinnett, Walton, and surrounding metro counties. Governor Brian Kemp has already declared a State of Emergency ahead of expected icing on Saturday. While road conditions are currently dry, the threat of freezing rain and black ice is high starting Saturday afternoon. Commuters are advised to complete all essential errands by this evening, as travel could become nearly impossible by the Monday morning commute.