News Summary
A large sinkhole on Shirley Franklin Boulevard SW in downtown Atlanta has caused major traffic disruptions. Since May 14, crews have been working to assess and repair the damage, which was triggered by a contractor’s work that inadvertently caused water accumulation in an abandoned line. With multiple lanes closed, significant delays are expected, and recommended detours have been issued for motorists to ease congestion. City officials are prioritizing safety and have laid out a phased repair timeline.
Atlanta – A sinkhole that opened on Shirley Franklin Boulevard SW in downtown Atlanta has resulted in significant traffic disruptions since May 14, 2025. The sinkhole is located between Rawson Street SW and Memorial Drive SW and was caused by a private contractor’s hydro excavation work, which inadvertently filled an abandoned line with water. This issue was exacerbated by the recent rainfall in the area.
Since Wednesday afternoon, crews from the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management have been on site assessing the damage and beginning repair work. Currently, three northbound lanes of Shirley Franklin Boulevard are closed, allowing only two lanes of traffic to pass through. As a result, heavy traffic delays are expected in the vicinity.
To manage the situation, traffic control measures have been implemented to guide motorists safely through the affected work zone. The Department of Watershed Management has emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety during these repair efforts. The ongoing work is anticipated to alter traffic patterns at least until the weekend.
Repair Timeline and Procedures
The repair process is structured in phases. The first phase involves backfilling the sinkhole and placing road plates over it, with the goal of completing this work by Friday morning rush hour. Following the morning commute, crews plan to return to the site to pave the road properly.
City officials have also provided recommended detours for travelers to ease congestion in the area. For eastbound travelers on I-20, the recommended detour is to use Exit 56B to Windsor Street SW, turn left, and continue on Ted Turner Drive SW. Northbound travelers on I-75/I-85 should exit at Exit 246 to Fulton Street SW, turn right on Fulton, then left on Hank Aaron Drive SW, and continue on Capitol Avenue SE.
Impacts on Traffic
Motorists are advised to avoid the area whenever possible to reduce congestion and allow for a smoother flow of traffic around the work zone. The ongoing repairs and lane closures are expected to create bottlenecks that will affect commuting times, particularly during peak hours.
Background Information
The sinkhole incident marks another reminder of the challenges associated with infrastructure maintenance and repair in urban settings. It also highlights the potential risks involved with excavation work, particularly when older, abandoned utilities are present underground. The city continues to support maintenance work that ensures public safety while addressing complex urban infrastructure issues. In light of the incident, city officials encourage contractors to follow strict guidelines to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the situation develops, the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management will maintain communication regarding further updates on the repair progress and anticipated completion dates. Motorists are encouraged to remain informed and plan their routes accordingly to minimize travel disruptions.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- MSN News
- WSB Radio
- 11 Alive News
- Wikipedia: Sinkhole
- Google Search: sinkhole in Atlanta
- Google Scholar: sinkhole infrastructure maintenance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: sinkhole
- Google News: sinkhole Atlanta
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
