Atlanta BeltLine Marks Major Milestone with Groundbreaking of Northwest Trail – Segment 5

Atlanta – A fresh wave of development is looming over Atlanta as the city breaks ground on the Northwest Trail – Segment 5 of the Atlanta BeltLine on June 24, 2024. In a vibrant event, Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, city officials, and community leaders assemble to celebrate the commencement of this significant phase of the BeltLine project.

Northwest Trail – Segment 5: An Overview

The Northwest Trail – Segment 5 commences north of Marietta Boulevard and Huff Road and extends to Ellsworth Industrial and English Street in Blandtown. As a part of the BeltLine project, it will be connecting to the completed Westside Trail – Segment 3, which runs from Huff Road to Law Street. The segment measures 0.7 miles and holds the distinction of being the first full section of the Northwest Trail to commence construction, expected to take nearly 17 months to complete.

Fostering Connectivity and Enhancing Lifestyle

The groundbreaking is more than just a start of constructing a new trail. It’s about fostering regional connectivity and improving quality of life for all Atlantans. In his address, Higgs stressed the significance of the newest trail, expressing that it is “a key step in linking the 22-mile mainline BeltLine loop.” The trail notably provides a regional connection to the Chattahoochee River and the Silver Comet Trail, extending all the way to Alabama.

Showing solidarity with the vision for producing interconnected neighborhoods, Mayor Dickens stated the new segment will improve accessibility for residents and promote pedestrian and cycling safety. He stressed the importance of connected communities, highlighting that connecting the localities “will enhance overall health and way of life.” The BeltLine project imbibes the critical aspect of binding citizens and providing them easy access to opportunities for economic prosperity and cultural amenities.

A Vision for the Future

The groundbreaking of the Northwest Trail – Segment 5 is just the beginning. The ultimate goal stems from a broader vision to connect Blandtown to the Lindbergh/Morosgo neighborhoods. Other prominent localities that lie along the trail include Underwood Hills, Berkeley Park, and Garden Hills.

The focus of Atlanta BeltLine’s endeavors remains on improving the overall quality of life for Atlanta’s residents. This major milestone marks the physical initiation of constructing a trail that will render the city more connected and accessible. All eyes are now set on the project’s progress, with the hope of seeing the entire BeltLine project concluded by 2030.