Image Description: The above image shows the staging of the new south pedestrian bridge in the south parking lot at East Lake after delivery. The bridge sits on top of support beams as crew members secure the top and side. The sun sets in the background.
Current Status
Construction.
New North Bridge and Elevator: The new north bridge and north parking lot reopened in December 2024. Elevator access was added to the north side with the opening of the new elevator on April 7, 2025.
South Bridge: The south entrance closure for the replacement of the south pedestrian bridge has been delayed. A new closure date has not yet been set, but MARTA is committed to providing advance notice once it is confirmed. In the meantime, both north and south entrances and parking lots will remain open, though parking in the south lot is limited by construction staging. Local buses 2, 19, and 34 will continue to operate as scheduled from the bus loop on the south side.
Please see the update below for additional information on the opening of the new north elevator and the south closure.
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: The image above shows new ADA parking spots and a sidewalk ramp leading to the new north elevator at East Lake.
SOUTH ENTRANCE CLOSURE FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
The south entrance was previously planned to close in late March 2025, however, a major rainstorm caused flooding inside the new north elevator, which led to delays installing equipment. With the elevator now open on the north bridge, we can move forward towards Phase II of construction, which includes the closure of the south station entrance for a new pedestrian bridge. MARTA and its contracting partners, Reeves Young/CERM, are actively working to establish the work plan and schedule for removing the old south bridge and replacing it with the new one, which is currently being assembled in the south parking lot. The south bridge is nearly twice as long as the north bridge and spans both College Avenue and two active freight rail lines. This makes the coordination more complex than for the north bridge, which was successfully installed in July 2024. A new date for closing the south entrance will be shared with the public as soon as possible. For now, both station entrances and parking lots remain open, though some spots in the south parking lot are limited due to staging of the new bridge.
Please
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Image Description: This image taken from the East Lake north parking lot shows the new elevator with floor to ceiling windows to the right of a mural by artist Nicolás Romero Escalada.
Project 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:
- New elevator on north side of the station
- New cleaner, safer pedestrian bridges on north and south sides
- Parking lot improvements with resurfacing, striping, ADA improvements, light poles, and surveillance cameras
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 regarding the project via email to:
Aubrey Bickerstaff, MARTA Project Manager II
abickerstaff@itsmarta.com
404-848-6448