News Summary
MARTA is preparing for a $200 million renovation of the Five Points station, the busiest in its system. The project will begin in July 2024 and aims to enhance safety and accessibility while accommodating the influx of soccer fans for the 2026 World Cup. Key changes include relocating bus routes, maintaining one entrance open for pedestrian access, and a commitment to keep train services running during construction. This development promises to make downtown Atlanta more accessible and welcoming.
Exciting Renovations Set for MARTA’s Five Points Station in Atlanta
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement as MARTA gears up for a massive overhaul of the Five Points station, the busiest hub in the entire MARTA system! This renovation is expected to cost around $200 million and will take the next four years to complete. But hold onto your hats because there’s a twist — MARTA has promised to temporarily re-open the station for the 2026 World Cup to welcome all the soccer fans!
World Cup Countdown: A Soccer-Ready Station
Why is this renovation so special? Well, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, just a stone’s throw away from Five Points, will be hosting an exhilarating eight matches during the World Cup, including a thrilling semifinal! Fans can look forward to not just the semifinal but also five group-stage matches, one round of 32 match, and one round of 16 match. That’s a lot of soccer action packed into one city!
When Can We Expect Construction to Start?
Mark your calendars because construction is set to kick off in July 2024. MARTA has made it clear that while changes will be made to downtown Atlanta’s bus routes, rail services at the Five Points station should continue as normal. Commuters can breathe easy knowing their train schedules won’t be disrupted during this time.
What Changes Are Coming Down the Line?
The first phase of this renovation will involve a relocation of eight bus routes, which will definitely cause some shifts in how things operate around downtown. But fear not! MARTA has taken steps to ensure that one entrance will remain open for pedestrian access, making it easier for people to navigate the area. This includes street-level entry and elevator access to the station.
Ensuring Safety and Access during Construction
While all these changes are happening, safety is the number one priority. MARTA’s leadership has emphasized a safety-first approach throughout this heavy construction project. The mayor’s office also echoed the importance of maintaining access for everyone, including those living with disabilities and regular commuters, while the renovation work is underway.
What’s Next? Adjustments and More Adjustments
With construction plans getting underway, it’s important to note that some adjustments were necessary after lengthy discussions about pedestrian access restrictions during the various phases of deconstruction and demolition. As a result, the project is expected to take a bit longer than originally planned. Early nightly closures might be implemented to facilitate the movement of construction materials above an active station entrance. It sounds like a busy time ahead!
The Road Ahead for Five Points Station
So, as we brace ourselves for the upcoming changes, commuters and visitors to Atlanta can rest assured that the renovated Five Points station is going to be worth the wait. With plans that cater to both the current needs of the riders and the exciting future that includes the World Cup, this project is shaping up to make downtown Atlanta an even more accessible and welcoming place for everyone.
Wrapping It Up
With much on the table, it’s clear that Atlanta is in for a thrilling ride as the Five Points station undergoes its transformation. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and get ready for not just a project, but an exciting chapter for MARTA and the city as we steer towards the 2026 World Cup. Atlanta, are you ready?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WSBTV Article on Five Points Station Transformation
- Discover Atlanta: Ultimate MARTA Guide
- Fox 5 Atlanta: MARTA Five Points Station Project Update
- Upgraded Points: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Review
- Atlanta News First: MARTA to Reopen Five Points Station for World Cup
- Wikipedia: MARTA (Georgia)
- Google Search: MARTA Five Points Station
