In the wake of the Interstate 85 collapse last week, Atlanta commuters are seeking new options to get to and through the city for the foreseeable future.
According to MARTA CEO Keith Parker, the system saw a 25 percent bump in ridership on Friday—the first day after the bridge collapse. While numbers haven't been released yet for Monday, reports of full trains and packed parking lots indicate that MARTA is benefiting from the disaster.
In fact, the agency's Twitter account warned those looking for parking spaces Monday morning at some of the northernmost stations to continue heading south due to capacity crowds. While special events can lead to crowded decks, the packing of parking lots to capacity is a rare occurrence—and a bright spot in the fallout of what will go down as one of the city's most trying moments.
And with many Atlanta school districts out on Spring Break this week, things are only going to get worse before they get better.
To help ease the rush and make things easier for anyone wanting to try transit, we've compiled a map highlighting commute alternative options.
In addition to commuters, the information is also useful for folks heading to the airport.
And for those who live in counties without MARTA service, we've also included GRTA Xpress bus services, which could be helpful for anyone who commutes from farther afield.
With what will likely be months of closures, this resource could come in handy for a while.
Note that this is not an exhaustive map of MARTA and GRTA Xpress options, but it highlights the most likely routes affected by the Interstate 85 collapse. Also, routes are subject to change as detours and road closures are revised. Check with MARTA and GRTA for the most current information.
The northernmost station across the entire system, North Springs MARTA Station is the last stop on the Red Line. Two massive parking decks accommodate 2,378 cars, and there is direct access to Ga. Highway 400 as well as Peachtree-Dunwoody Road. For those who live in Alpharetta, park-and-rides are available, cutting down the distance to drive and ensuring you find a parking space.
The next station down south from North Springs Station, Sandy Springs MARTA Station is an ideal option for overflow parking if things are full up the line. The Red Line station has 1,050 spaces accessible from Perimeter Center West and the adjacent shopping center.
For those who live in Alpharetta or Roswell and commute into the city, the Mansell Road Park & Ride along Ga. Highway 400 offers patrons a chance to hop on a bus with service directly to North Springs MARTA Station.
Pretty much the farthest north a rider can go on MARTA, Windward Park & Ride offers residents in Milton, Johns Creek, and neighboring Forsyth County the chance to hop on a bus and cruise all the way to North Springs MARTA Station to ride the Red Line into the city.
Dunwoody MARTA Station on the Red Line, located adjacent to Perimeter Mall, has 1,091 parking space accessible from Perimeter Center Parkway or Hammond Drive. Riders can head directly into the city to Buckhead, Midtown, or downtown, as well as to the airport.
The northernmost station along the Interstate 85 corridor, Doraville MARTA Station provides an ideal location for Gwinnett County residents keen on swapping traffic for heavy-rail transit. With 1,257 parking spaces, it's easy to park and head into Buckhead, Midtown, or downtown, and even directly to the airport.
The Chamblee MARTA Station provides rail service on the Gold Line to Lenox and Lindbergh stations in Buckhead and all stations to the south through Midtown and downtown, all the way to the airport. There are 1,149 parking spaces with free daily parking, located next to the station, along New Peachtree Road.
The Brookhaven/Oglethorpe University MARTA Station provides rail service on the Gold Line to Lenox and Lindbergh stations in Buckhead and all stations to the south through Midtown and downtown, all the way to the airport. There are 1,460 parking spaces with free daily parking, located behind the station off Apple Valley Road.
For those heading from the south side of the city to Buckhead, Perimeter, or the northeastern suburbs, College Park MARTA Station offers an ideal location—and 2,056 parking spaces—for patrons. The Red and Gold lines will be a great replacement for Interstate 85 and Ga. Highway 400.
Another option for those heading north into the city from the south side, East Point MARTA Station provides Red and Gold line access and 1,002 parking spaces.
Hamilton E. Holmes Station, the westernmost station on the MARTA network, provides an option for those heading across town from the edge of the Perimeter. The station features 1,436 parking spaces.
The only OTP station not on the Red Line, Indian Creek MARTA Station on the Blue Line is the network's easternmost station. With 2,364 parking spaces, there's plenty of space for those concerned about Interstate 285 traffic.
Just north of Langford Parkway, west of Lakewood, the Lakewood/Fort McPherson MARTA Station is a good option for anyone wanting to drive from the Greenbriar area to a station and ride into the city. The station has 1,042 parking spaces.
Located just north of the collapse site, Lenox MARTA Station on the Gold Line offers patrons 555 parking spaces in the parking deck of Atlanta Plaza and a surface lot along East Paces Ferry Road.
Just a few blocks from the bridge collapse, Lindbergh MARTA Station might not be the best option to avoid chaotic traffic. But with 2,519 parking spaces available, it could be a time saver for residents who live nearby.
While not an official park and ride, the Mall at Stonecrest is the easternmost terminus for multiple MARTA bus lines that provide access to the city. Routes 111 and 116 services Indian Creek Station, while Route 86 takes riders to Kensington Station.
Also not an official park and ride, Northlake Mall nonetheless provides an option for people who live in central DeKalb County, far from both the Gold and Blue lines. Bus service is provided to Chamblee Station by Route 128 and to Lindbergh Station by Route 30.
The last station to feature parking on the southern edge of downtown, West End Station has 472 parking spaces and is a perfect option for those heading north on the Red or Gold lines.
Located just off I-85, south of the Perimeter, the park and ride provides bus service to College Park Station via the 181 and 189 routes, tying commuters into the rest of the MARTA network.
The only transit option for residents of Forsyth County, two GRTA Xpress routes provide alternatives for those traveling down Georgia Highway 400 into the city. Route 400 takes riders to downtown and Midtown, with stops at North Avenue and Five Points MARTA stations, while Route 401 takes passengers to Perimeter Center, stopping at Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Medical Center MARTA stations.
On the border of Fulton and Forsyth counties, Emory Johns Creek Hospital serves as the northern terminus for GRTA Xpress Route 408, servicing Doraville MARTA Station. The route also picks up at stops along Peachtree Parkway in Gwinnett County including The Forum.
The Hamilton Mill Park & Ride, the northernmost stop for GRTA Xpress service along the Interstate 85 corridor, provides routes into Midtown and downtown. Routes 411 and 414 drop riders at Civic Center, North Avenue, Midtown, and Arts Center MARTA stations, while Route 413 takes riders to stops around downtown, including Five Points MARTA Station.
At the western edge of Snellville, the Hewatt Road Park & Ride is serviced by Xpress Route 419 to nine stops throughout downtown, including Five Points and Civic Center MARTA stations.
Near the interchange of interstates 85 and 985, the Mall of Georgia Park & Ride provides travelers with service into Midtown and downtown. Routes 411 and 414 drop riders at Civic Center, North Avenue, Midtown, and Arts Center MARTA stations, while Route 413 takes riders to stops around downtown, including Five Points MARTA Station.
Located in the eastern reaches of DeKalb County, the Panola Road Park & Ride provides commuters with both MARTA and GRTA Xpress bus access. MARTA Route 86 ferries passengers to Kensington Station to link up with the Blue Line, while Xpress offers services to downtown (Route 426), Midtown (Route 423), and Perimeter Center (Route 428).
Located in Clayton County, the Riverdale Park & Ride is served by MARTA and GRTA buses to take commuters into the city. MARTA routes 191 and 196 service College Park Station, while GRTA route 442 travels all the way into downtown Atlanta, making multiple stops including Five Points and Civic Center MARTA stations.
Near the heart of Snellville, across from City Hall, the Snellville Park & Ride is serviced by Xpress Route 419 to nine stops throughout downtown, including Five Points and Civic Center MARTA stations.
Just east of Stone Mountain, in southern Gwinnett County, the Stone Mountain Park & Ride is serviced by Xpress Route 419 to nine stops throughout downtown, including Five Points and Civic Center MARTA stations.
Near the center of Gwinnett County, along Interstate 85, Sugarloaf Mills Park & Ride provides service to Lindbergh Center MARTA Station in Buckhead via Route 410, service to Midtown via routes 412 and 414.
The West Conyers Park & Ride in Rockdale County offers GRTA Xpress bus service to stops in downtown (Route 426), Midtown (Route 423), and Perimeter Center (Route 428).
The northernmost station across the entire system, North Springs MARTA Station is the last stop on the Red Line. Two massive parking decks accommodate 2,378 cars, and there is direct access to Ga. Highway 400 as well as Peachtree-Dunwoody Road. For those who live in Alpharetta, park-and-rides are available, cutting down the distance to drive and ensuring you find a parking space.
The next station down south from North Springs Station, Sandy Springs MARTA Station is an ideal option for overflow parking if things are full up the line. The Red Line station has 1,050 spaces accessible from Perimeter Center West and the adjacent shopping center.
For those who live in Alpharetta or Roswell and commute into the city, the Mansell Road Park & Ride along Ga. Highway 400 offers patrons a chance to hop on a bus with service directly to North Springs MARTA Station.
Pretty much the farthest north a rider can go on MARTA, Windward Park & Ride offers residents in Milton, Johns Creek, and neighboring Forsyth County the chance to hop on a bus and cruise all the way to North Springs MARTA Station to ride the Red Line into the city.
Dunwoody MARTA Station on the Red Line, located adjacent to Perimeter Mall, has 1,091 parking space accessible from Perimeter Center Parkway or Hammond Drive. Riders can head directly into the city to Buckhead, Midtown, or downtown, as well as to the airport.
The northernmost station along the Interstate 85 corridor, Doraville MARTA Station provides an ideal location for Gwinnett County residents keen on swapping traffic for heavy-rail transit. With 1,257 parking spaces, it's easy to park and head into Buckhead, Midtown, or downtown, and even directly to the airport.
The Chamblee MARTA Station provides rail service on the Gold Line to Lenox and Lindbergh stations in Buckhead and all stations to the south through Midtown and downtown, all the way to the airport. There are 1,149 parking spaces with free daily parking, located next to the station, along New Peachtree Road.
The Brookhaven/Oglethorpe University MARTA Station provides rail service on the Gold Line to Lenox and Lindbergh stations in Buckhead and all stations to the south through Midtown and downtown, all the way to the airport. There are 1,460 parking spaces with free daily parking, located behind the station off Apple Valley Road.
For those heading from the south side of the city to Buckhead, Perimeter, or the northeastern suburbs, College Park MARTA Station offers an ideal location—and 2,056 parking spaces—for patrons. The Red and Gold lines will be a great replacement for Interstate 85 and Ga. Highway 400.
Another option for those heading north into the city from the south side, East Point MARTA Station provides Red and Gold line access and 1,002 parking spaces.
Hamilton E. Holmes Station, the westernmost station on the MARTA network, provides an option for those heading across town from the edge of the Perimeter. The station features 1,436 parking spaces.
The only OTP station not on the Red Line, Indian Creek MARTA Station on the Blue Line is the network's easternmost station. With 2,364 parking spaces, there's plenty of space for those concerned about Interstate 285 traffic.
Just north of Langford Parkway, west of Lakewood, the Lakewood/Fort McPherson MARTA Station is a good option for anyone wanting to drive from the Greenbriar area to a station and ride into the city. The station has 1,042 parking spaces.
Located just north of the collapse site, Lenox MARTA Station on the Gold Line offers patrons 555 parking spaces in the parking deck of Atlanta Plaza and a surface lot along East Paces Ferry Road.
Just a few blocks from the bridge collapse, Lindbergh MARTA Station might not be the best option to avoid chaotic traffic. But with 2,519 parking spaces available, it could be a time saver for residents who live nearby.
While not an official park and ride, the Mall at Stonecrest is the easternmost terminus for multiple MARTA bus lines that provide access to the city. Routes 111 and 116 services Indian Creek Station, while Route 86 takes riders to Kensington Station.
Also not an official park and ride, Northlake Mall nonetheless provides an option for people who live in central DeKalb County, far from both the Gold and Blue lines. Bus service is provided to Chamblee Station by Route 128 and to Lindbergh Station by Route 30.
The last station to feature parking on the southern edge of downtown, West End Station has 472 parking spaces and is a perfect option for those heading north on the Red or Gold lines.
Located just off I-85, south of the Perimeter, the park and ride provides bus service to College Park Station via the 181 and 189 routes, tying commuters into the rest of the MARTA network.
The only transit option for residents of Forsyth County, two GRTA Xpress routes provide alternatives for those traveling down Georgia Highway 400 into the city. Route 400 takes riders to downtown and Midtown, with stops at North Avenue and Five Points MARTA stations, while Route 401 takes passengers to Perimeter Center, stopping at Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Medical Center MARTA stations.
On the border of Fulton and Forsyth counties, Emory Johns Creek Hospital serves as the northern terminus for GRTA Xpress Route 408, servicing Doraville MARTA Station. The route also picks up at stops along Peachtree Parkway in Gwinnett County including The Forum.
The Hamilton Mill Park & Ride, the northernmost stop for GRTA Xpress service along the Interstate 85 corridor, provides routes into Midtown and downtown. Routes 411 and 414 drop riders at Civic Center, North Avenue, Midtown, and Arts Center MARTA stations, while Route 413 takes riders to stops around downtown, including Five Points MARTA Station.
At the western edge of Snellville, the Hewatt Road Park & Ride is serviced by Xpress Route 419 to nine stops throughout downtown, including Five Points and Civic Center MARTA stations.
Near the interchange of interstates 85 and 985, the Mall of Georgia Park & Ride provides travelers with service into Midtown and downtown. Routes 411 and 414 drop riders at Civic Center, North Avenue, Midtown, and Arts Center MARTA stations, while Route 413 takes riders to stops around downtown, including Five Points MARTA Station.
Located in the eastern reaches of DeKalb County, the Panola Road Park & Ride provides commuters with both MARTA and GRTA Xpress bus access. MARTA Route 86 ferries passengers to Kensington Station to link up with the Blue Line, while Xpress offers services to downtown (Route 426), Midtown (Route 423), and Perimeter Center (Route 428).
Located in Clayton County, the Riverdale Park & Ride is served by MARTA and GRTA buses to take commuters into the city. MARTA routes 191 and 196 service College Park Station, while GRTA route 442 travels all the way into downtown Atlanta, making multiple stops including Five Points and Civic Center MARTA stations.
Near the heart of Snellville, across from City Hall, the Snellville Park & Ride is serviced by Xpress Route 419 to nine stops throughout downtown, including Five Points and Civic Center MARTA stations.
Just east of Stone Mountain, in southern Gwinnett County, the Stone Mountain Park & Ride is serviced by Xpress Route 419 to nine stops throughout downtown, including Five Points and Civic Center MARTA stations.
Near the center of Gwinnett County, along Interstate 85, Sugarloaf Mills Park & Ride provides service to Lindbergh Center MARTA Station in Buckhead via Route 410, service to Midtown via routes 412 and 414.
The West Conyers Park & Ride in Rockdale County offers GRTA Xpress bus service to stops in downtown (Route 426), Midtown (Route 423), and Perimeter Center (Route 428).
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54061397/Maps.0.0.jpeg)
Loading comments...