RIDER ALERT
The south pedestrian bridge replacement requires the closure of the south entrance, parking lot, and pedestrian bridge beginning Monday, March 9, 2026. The south closure will last approximately two months.
Starting Monday, March 9: South Entrance Closes
- Station Access: All customers must use the north entrance. North elevator remains in service.
- Buses: All routes currently operating from the south side will be rerouted to the north side (Routes 2, 19, and 34). After the Bus Network Redesign launches on April 18, 2026, only Route 34 will continue serving East Lake Station. Details are available at
itsmarta.com/nextgen2.
- Free Shuttles: A shuttle will run between the north and south lots during service hours for customer convenience. The shuttle is free and ADA-accessible.
- Parking: The south parking is closed. Parking is available in the north lot. We anticipate ample parking for daily use, but it may fill up during special events.
- MARTA Reach: MARTA's new on-demand service for the 302 - Kirkwood/Candler Park Zone will operate out of the north lot starting Saturday, March 7. For more information visit itsmarta.com/reach.
- Station Soccer: Both pitches and parking will remain available and accessible during construction.
- Temporary Road Closures: Temporary closures on College Avenue are planned for mid-April during the pedestrian bridge removal and installation. Advance notice will be provided through signage and communications as soon as dates are confirmed.
Image Description: The map above shows the south entrance, parking, and bridge closing on March 9. Buses, parking, and elevator access will be open on the north side of East Lake Station. A shuttle runs between sides.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SOUTH ENTRANCE CLOSURE FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
The south pedestrian bridge spans both College Avenue and active freight rail lines, making this phase more complex than the previous north bridge replacement. While there were early delays due to weather and coordination with freight rail partners, crews continued to make steady progress to prepare the south bridge for installation. Because of this, the South Bridge closure will be shorter in duration than the previous bridge closure, minimizing customer impact.
Partner Toolkit
The toolkit includes sample project communications, graphics, and images for the south entrance closure.
Access Partner Toolkit
Current Status
Construction.
Construction for the replacement of south bridge begins in March 2026. Estimated completion will be in May 2026.
Construction on the north side of East Lake Station is complete. The new north bridge and new north elevator have opened, making the north entrance fully ADA accessible.
Overview
East Lake Station opened in 1979 and is one of the first stations being renovated under MARTA’s Station Rehabilitation Program. Renovations include a new pedestrian bridge and new elevator on the north side along with a new pedestrian bridge on the south side.
Project Features:
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Parking lot improvements with resurfacing, striping, ADA improvements, light poles, and surveillance cameras
Image Description: An interior image of the new north elevator. The interior of the cab has floor to ceiling windows allowing sunlight to stream in along with new doors and railing.
ACCESSIBILITY MILESTONE: ADDITION OF NORTH ELEVATOR
East Lake opened in 1979 without an elevator on the north side, which was a major impediment to our customers with limited mobility. Forty-six years later, we're proud to announce an important milestone in accessibility to MARTA with the opening of a new elevator. This new elevator enhances accessibility by providing elevator access on both the north and south sides of the station, improving access for all riders.
Benefits of the new north elevator:
- Increased Transit Equity– Expands access to public transportation for all riders, including seniors, parents with strollers, and those carrying luggage.
- Enhanced Convenience & Safety – Reduces travel time for riders coming from the north side while providing a safer, weather-protected alternative to stairs.
- Better Traffic Flow & Reduced Congestion – Helps balance foot traffic between both entrances, preventing bottlenecks and improving station efficiency.
- Supports Future Upgrades – Allows for critical renovations on the south side while ensuring uninterrupted station and elevator access.
Image description: A member of the construction crew stands on a ladder inside of the new north pedestrian bridge installing signage. The bridge is complete with new flooring, handrails, ceiling, and lighting.
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Please submit comments or questions regarding the project to:
Antario Williams
Senior Project Manager
awilliams7@itsmarta.com