Atlanta Breaks Ground on Westside Paper Spur Trail, Known as The Spur, in Howell Station Neighborhood

Atlanta Breaks Ground on Westside Paper Spur Trail, Known as “The Spur,” in the Howell Station Neighborhood

Atlanta’s Upper Westside has barrelled full steam ahead into a new era of connectivity with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Westside Paper Spur Trail, fondly known as “The Spur.” The event marks a vital milestone in the enhancement of Atlanta’s westside multimodal infrastructure.

Connecting Communities and Destinations

The Spur, a paved trail set to span 0.73 miles within the Howell Station neighborhood, will act as a critical link connecting several key destinations. These areas include the Westside Paper, the Puritan Mill, and the King Plow Arts Center. The development is primed to provide safe and accessible walking and biking infrastructure that caters to the residents and, no less, the tourists.

The project is a joint venture between the city of Atlanta, the Upper Westside Community Improvement District (Upper Westside CID) and the PATH Foundation.

Tackling Topographical Challenges

With a vision to address the steep topographical challenges between properties, The Spur trail will feature a 65-foot-long bridge structure. This addition aims to secure uninterrupted movement between neighborhoods, parks, retail, and office spaces, ultimately elevating Atlanta’s outdoor network.

Community-Driven Initiatives

The initial planning process for The Spur trail kicked off in 2020, when residents, business owners, and stakeholders underscored the project as a priority for the community. Consequently, the Upper Westside CID incorporated it into the Upper Westside Masterplan. The generous donations of easements by property owners made the trail construction viable. The project stands as a testament to community collaboration, with Hasbun Construction selected to execute the ambitious build anticipated for completion in May 2025.

Funding the Vision

The project is funded by a variety of sources, including but not limited to the city of Atlanta’s Moving Atlanta Forward program, the Howell Station Neighborhood Association, and the Upper Westside CID. The Moving Atlanta Forward program, approved by voters, is slotted to allocate a significant $750MM toward vital transportation, public safety, arts projects, and recreational activities throughout the city.

The Spur: Shaping the Future

Notably, The Spur serves as a model for the transformative potential inherent in the Moving Atlanta Forward program, with significant investments in parks, recreation, and transportation infrastructure. The trail project is a component of larger blueprints leading towards a more connected and vibrant community, with primary designs and construction administration headed up by PATH Foundation.

Looking ahead, the CID plans on extending The Spur trail to the Brady Avenue cycle track and the Atlanta BeltLine, further integrating it into Atlanta’s vibrant outdoor spaces. Through such expansions and enhancements, the project shows great promise in enriching the existing essence of Atlanta’s outdoor charm.

For updates about The Spur trail construction and other ongoing developments, follow the Upper Westside CID on Instagram (@upperwestsideatl) or Facebook. Be part of a remarkable transformation that speaks volumes about the spirit of collective growth and shared vision.

Striving Towards a Vibrant Atlanta

In a nutshell, the breaking ground of The Spur trail builds upon the existing promise of a vibrant future for Atlanta. A crucial step towards a well-connected and accessible city, the trail will foster urban growth, environmental health, and community ties. With an exemplary testament to collaboration and community-driven initiatives, Atlanta’s west-side is undoubtedly on its way to a brighter, well-connected, and vibrant future.