Substantial upgrades are bound for an eastside MARTA transit station at the nexus of several neighborhoods—but not before months of construction and closures, the agency reports.

MARTA plans to begin demolition work March 13 at the system’s East Lake station that could alter travel plans for customers. The 2260 College Ave. transit hub is located at the Atlanta-Decatur city line, abutting Lake Claire, Oakhurst, and Kirkwood neighborhoods.

Beginning in three weeks, MARTA plans to start deconstruction and replacement of the station’s north pedestrian bridge, which will also close the north parking lot and access from the Lake Claire side of the station. (The new StationSoccer pitch on the north side of the station will remain open, however, according to MARTA.)

MARTA officials say the project will add a “cleaner, safer” bridge with a new elevator, flooring, lighting, and paint, and improved Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility.

The station's 2260 College Avenue location in Atlanta. Google Maps

East Lake station's north bridge today. Google Maps

Construction is scheduled to last until October, during which time the north lot will remain closed. All MARTA customers will have to use the south pedestrian bridge and parking lots for access to buses and trains.

A MARTA Mobility shuttle will also begin operating March 13 to shuffle customers from the north to south sides of the station. (The agency advises allowing 15 to 20 minutes of extra travel time for Mobility service.)

Occasional road closures on West Howard Avenue are expected as the bridge is replaced; MARTA says closures will be announced well in advance. 

Once construction wraps on the north pedestrian bridge, MARTA plans to repeat the process with the south bridge spanning into Kirkwood.  

Condition of the station's south pedestrian bridge today, where Kirkwood meets Oakhurst. Google Maps

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 next 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 agency.

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