Images: Closures on tap for new MARTA bridge installation

Josh Green

Fri, 02/07/2025 – 13:45

Growing pains are set to continue next month for a station on MARTA’s east-west line, temporarily blocking access from adjoining neighborhoods.

Beginning Monday, March 24, MARTA plans to close the south entrance of East Lake station to swap its existing pedestrian bridge with an upgraded one that spans College Avenue into Kirkwood.

Closures will bar access to the station from its south parking lot, bus loop, and bridge.

The 2260 College Ave. transit hub is located at the Atlanta-Decatur city line, abutting Lake Claire, Oakhurst, and Kirkwood neighborhoods. A similar bridge replacement on the station’s north side also required closures last year.

MARTA sends word this week that, beginning March 24, all customers will have to use the north pedestrian bridge (and park in the north lot, if arriving by car) to access Blue Line trains. A free shuttle will offer rides between the south and north lots during service hours, MARTA says.

Expect temporary road closures and detours on College Avenue as the old bridge is deconstructed and new one installed.

The south bridge’s recent arrival at the station along College Avenue. Courtesy of MARTA

The south bridge staged in the station’s south parking lot today. Courtesy of MARTA

Bus routes 2, 19, and 34 will also be rerouted to the north side of the station. The new StationSoccer soccer pitches and parking on the north side will remain open, MARTA notes.

Demolition work began at the station in March as part of MARTA’s Station Rehabilitation Program, a multi-year renovation planned for all 38 rail stations across the system.

MARTA officials have said the East Lake project will add a “cleaner, safer” bridge system to the transit hub with improved Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility.

On the flipside of the station, the recently completed north pedestrian bridge (spanning West Howard Avenue) features a new elevator, enhanced lighting, wall screening, and upgraded flooring, per MARTA.

Finishing touches for the newly opened north bridge. Courtesy of MARTA

How the recently opened north bridge turned out at MARTA’s East Lake station over West Howard Avenue. Courtesy of MARTA

Other improvements around the station will include upgraded ADA ramps, enhanced curb and gutter features, and fresh paint.

The work is part of MARTA’s Service, Experience, and Expansion program—or SEE—which the agency has called a priority for fiscal year 2024.

Also included in SEE efforts is MARTA’s first bus rapid transit line (scheduled to open from downtown to Summerhill and Peoplestown this year) and the debut of new rail cars and more climate-friendly electric buses.

Other initiatives include station renovations at Bankhead, Indian Creek, and Airport stations, along with the addition of “smart” restrooms, fresh station canopies, and resurfaced and re-striped parking lots, according to the transit agency.

The south bridge’s recent arrival at the station along College Avenue. Courtesy of MARTA