Atlanta, February 2, 2009 – A meeting of officials from key organizations including the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the City of Atlanta, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., Amtrak, the Atlanta Regional Commission, MARTA and the Transit Implementation Board along with staff from Congressman John Lewis’ office was held today to discuss the critical issue regarding plans for the Northeast BeltLine Corridor (“Decatur Street Belt”) and future options for multi-modal passenger terminals (MMPT). The overarching goal of the meeting was to share information, communicate directly, discuss alternatives and seek out viable solutions for an amicable outcome that is in the best interest of our customers.
To that end, the Georgia Department of Transportation, Atlanta BeltLine Inc./ Atlanta Development Authority, Amtrak and Norfolk Southern have agreed to formally request that the Surface Transportation Board issue a 30 day stay of their proceedings in this matter in order to work towards a common solution that accommodates the Atlanta BeltLine vision, intercity and high speed rail in the region.
During this time, a technical team will work to investigate the potential alternatives. An Executive Team will also work to develop a final agreement between all of the parties.
All of the organizations involved acknowledged the importance of the Atlanta BeltLine project to the City of Atlanta and the region. Each recognized the common goal to provide much needed regional transportation options for the residents of and visitors to the City of Atlanta which have a profound effect on the economic future for the entire state of Georgia.
CONTACT:
GDOT: Ericka Davis 404-631-1023
City of Atlanta: Beverly Isom 404-330-6558
Atlanta BeltLine: Ethan Davidson 404-614-8325
MARTA: Andrea Coleman 404-848-5000
Amtrak: Cliff Black 202-906-3855
How will Beltline rail connect to Amtrak? What is planned for high speed rail from Atlanta to Macon and Savannah?
Hi Thomas – the BeltLine is not currently planned to connect with Amtrak. The closest it will come is to the north where it will cross Peachtree Road in the vicinity of Piedmont Hospital. The BeltLine is not involved in high speed rail between Atlanta and Macon / Savannah.
Thanks!
Jenny