I-75 Underpass to Bill Kennedy Way // Subarea 2, 3
The project includes the design of a 14 foot wide concrete multi-use path and extending approximately 3.1 miles from the paved trail at Pittsburgh Yards (near the I-75 underpass) to the end of the unpaved Southside Trail at Bill Kennedy Way. Southside Trail – Segments 2 and 3 make up 1.9 miles and Segments 4 and 5 are 1.2 miles.
Additional site elements include planting, lighting, retaining walls, vertical connections to adjoining streets, storm drainage, signage/wayfinding, and the replacement and rehabilitation of several bridges. The design also includes streetscape/accessibility improvements on all intersecting streets extending from the corridor to the nearest intersection or one-quarter mile, whichever was closest.
ABI was awarded a $500,000 Brownfield Cleanup Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Grant funds will be used to clean up portions of the interim Southside Trail. Soil remediation will focus on 26 areas as identified in the Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) previously prepared by United Consulting. The Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) is available for viewing here. The report, part of an EPA grant, provides information about any contamination found on site and alternatives for cleaning up any the contamination.
Southside Trail design and construction status as of June 2023.
Project Status
The Southside Trail has project has been broken into six segments.
Southside Trail – Segments 2 – 3: The construction of Segments 2 and 3 is on track to bid for construction this September, contingent upon federal review and release. This segment is tied to federal dollars and the federal construction process. Starting July 5, trail users will begin to see fiber relocation work taking place to move telecommunication lines out of the way of construction activities. Whenever equipment is in use on the trail, the contractor will have spotters in place. Work is expected to last through the end of August and will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays will be used for make-up weather days if necessary. Additionally, Georgia Power is working on power pole relocations.
Permitting and funding activities are ongoing and on schedule. Contingent upon the federal construction process, permitting, and utility relocation, the goal is to begin trail construction in early 2024.
McDonough Tunnel: ABI has hired an engineering consultant to design potential solutions where the interim trail is flooding in the McDonough tunnel. Design engineering is complete, and pricing is in progress with a contractor. ABI will proceed with recommendations which includes the installation of drainage piping and additional gravel, while balancing cost, since this section of trail will be under construction very soon.
Southside Trail – Segments 4 – 5: The trail is officially closed for construction! It will be closed for the duration of construction, expected to last through spring 2025. Below are maps with options for detours. Please note that these are suggestions and there are more possible routes. People should decide on a route that works best for their safety, comfort level, and mode of transportation.
Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail detour option between Glenwood Avenue and Boulevard.Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail detour option from United Avenue access point.Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail detour option from the west side of the Mercer Street access point.Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail detour option from the east side of the Mercer Street access point.
Project Timeline
March 2018
The City of Atlanta and ABI purchased the southside corridor, representing more than 4 miles and 63 acres
August 2019
The Southside Trail opened for public use in an unpaved condition
July 2020
Emergency demolition of bridge over United Avenue
May 2021
Interim safety improvements along Bill Kennedy Way (Southside Trail - Segment 6) completed
May 2021
ABI awarded $4 million in grant funding from the Atlanta Regional Commission
November 2021
RAISE grant awarded for $16.46 million towards construction
August 2022
Brownfield remediation work completed by Reeves Young
August 2022
Invitation to Bid posted for construction of Segments 4 and 5
2022-early 2023
Utility relocation and remediation work
May 2023
Construction began on Segments 4 and 5
Last Updated: July 12, 2023
Bike riders enjoy the Southside Trail near Pittsburgh Yards. (Photo: The Sintoses)
Bikers and walkers enjoy the Southside Trail at Pittsburgh Yards. (Photo: The Sintoses)
The Southside Trail passes over Metropolitan Parkway just south of University Avenue. (Photo: The Sintoses)
Southside Trail over Metropolitan Parkway. September 2, 2021. (Photo by John Becker)
A concrete marker indicates where the Southside and Westside Trails meet. September 2, 2021. Photo by John Becker.
The Southside Trail below interstates 75/85 as seen in fall 2018. (Photo: John Becker)
An artistic rendering shows the Southside Trail where it crosses under interstates 75 / 85, enabling easy pedestrian access between neighborhoods on either side of the Downtown Connector.
A view from the Southside Trail in its interim state, east of Boulevard. (Photo: John Becker)
The Southside Trail will connect the Westside and Eastside Trails for over 11 miles of continuous trail. It will navigate through stunning railroad architecture, like this 100+ year old tunnel. (Photo: John Becker)
D.H. Stanton Park viewed from the Southside Unpaved Trail. (Photo: John Becker)
Unpaved Southside Trail looking north towards Berne Street. Photo by Erin Sintos. January 24, 2023.
Preparation work underway on the Southside Trail. Photo by Erin Sintos. January 24, 2023.
Southside Trail looking north to the bridge over Ormewoood Avenue. Photo by Erin Sintos. January 24, 2023.
Fiber relocation on the Southside Trail. Photo by Erin Sintos. January 24, 2023.
United Avenue pedestrian crossing along the Southside Trail
The Southside Trail will connect to bike lanes and pedestrian improvements along Ormewood Avenue via temporary wooden stairs at Mercer Street and a path to Lynwood Street. (Photo: John Becker)
An early rendering of the Southside Trail shows the interaction with D. H. Stanton Park to the left and transit along the corridor.
An early rendering shows a transit stop where McDaniel Street meets University Avenue and the Southside Trail.
The Southside Trail opened in an interim state in 2019, which means the old railroad corridor is cleared and graded, but not yet paved. (Photo: John Becker)
The Southside Trail after rails were cleared in 2018. (Photo: the Sintoses)
