Atlanta BeltLine Design and Construction: Massive May Updates

With the work of Atlanta Beltline, Inc., (ABI) the year 2024 came with a series of significant updates to the Atlanta BeltLine; one of the city’s most ambitious urban redevelopment projects. Design and construction projects are currently at various stages across the entire BeltLine. Updates cover a wide stretch of development activities, centering over the Northeast Trail, Eastside Trail, Southside Trail, Westside Trail, and more.

Northeast Trail

Construction of Segment 1 of the Northeast Trail is divided into three phases and is currently underway. The trail runs alongside Piedmont Park and is moving toward completion. Work on Phase I is substantially complete while Phase II is still under construction. The construction of Phase III, which includes pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of 10th and Monroe Drive, is lined up to start later in June and to see completion by fall 2024.

Progress Overview

As of May end, the Northeast Trail – Segment 1 Phase I work is substantially complete and includes the replacement of an asphalt trail passing through Piedmont Park from Westminster Drive to Clear Creek. Construction grading and wall work was ongoing for Phase II, with granites cladding underway. Also worked jointly with the Piedmont Park Conservancy, City of Atlanta Parks Department, and Atlanta Department of Transportation has ensured the project remains on track.

Eastside Trail

The Ponce de Leon Avenue Streetscapes project; presents an improved pedestrian and bicycle connection along Ponce de Leon Avenue to the BeltLine running from Boulevard to Freedom Parkway. Expected completion by mid-June.

Southside Trail

Southside Trail – Segments 2-3, initiated their construction mobilization on May 20th, 2024. All efforts were directed towards protecting tri-colored bat breeding habitat, which is under federal restrictions until July 31st. ABI anticipates the trail construction could be wrapped by early 2026.

Southside Trail – Segments 4-5 includes work for the Ormewood Avenue bridge that will continue throughout June. The trail is expected to be unavailable during the construction period, which is forecasted to last through spring 2025.

Westside Trail

Westside Trail Segment 4 extends 1.3-miles and stretches north from Lena Street to Law Street. Construction work is in full swing with steel placed on all five bridges or elevated trail sections. The project is projected for completion by summer of 2025.

Ralph David Abernathy Access Point (at Westview)

A new access point bringing a protected crossing across Ralph David Abernathy and a ramp and stair connection to the BeltLine is under construction. The project’s end date is still tracking for late July.

Enota Park

Enota Park, an eight-acre park planned on the west side of Atlanta is set to start construction in fall 2024 with a projected 16-month construction schedule.

Northwest Trail

Segments of the Northwest Trail are currently under various stages of construction and design. Detailed design plans for some segments are complete while the construction of others is already underway.

BeltLine Transit Study

A transit study is being conducted to determine a preferred transit alignment in the NW BeltLine quadrant and identify stop locations and generalized cross-sections in the SW and SE quadrants of the BeltLine corridor. The study is guided by principles of equity and the goal is to establish a worldwide network of high-capacity transit in a greenway.

As Atlanta BeltLine, Inc and team work tirelessly to enhance the city’s park system, new development updates emerge frequently. The substantial progress displayed by BeltLine’s numerous projects signal Atlanta’s advance towards realization of its vision to be a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life.