Atlanta BeltLine Design and Construction Updates: May 2023

Below you will find recent updates and photos of each of our Atlanta BeltLine projects in construction or design along with links to get more general information about each project. Additionally, you can explore current design and construction projects via map and list view here. These projects play a pivotal role in furthering the Atlanta BeltLine vision to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life. 

 

Northeast Trail

• Northeast Trail – Segment 1: Construction bids for this segment were received on May 25, and are being evaluated as a part of the procurement process. The trail runs from the northern end of the Eastside Trail to Westminster Drive with a portion through Piedmont Park. The BeltLine continues to work alongside Piedmont Park Conservancy, City of Atlanta Parks Department, and Atlanta Department of Transportation. ABI is working jointly with ATLDOT to complete additional pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of 10^th and Monroe Dr. in conjunction with the trail construction project as it crosses Monroe Drive. Construction is expected to start by early summer. The schedule to complete construction is approximately 12-18 months.
• Northeast Trail – Segment 2: Repair work on the timber bridge is now complete, the trail is poured on the bridge, and work is moving to the wing walls. The planting of grass and shrubs will continue this spring. Work to pour the concrete trails is moving forward rapidly. A final GDOT permit has been received, allowing work along the Buford-Spring Connector bridge crossing to move forward. This construction work is currently scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2023, with final landscaping to follow in late 2023 and early 2024.
• Northeast Trail – Segment 3: ABI is coordinating engineering reviews required for a bridge crossing over the CSX railroad. ABI has also coordinated with the Department of Watershed Management and the Brookwood Hills neighborhood regarding the Brookwood Hills Conservation Easement that the mainline trail will be passing through. Investigative work to identify the location of a sewer main line will be in progress soon, as well as geotechnical related boring work for future bridge structures.
• Details on each Northeast Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section: Segment 1, Segment 2, and Segment 3.

  

  

  

  

  

Eastside Trail

• Ponce de Leon Avenue Streetscapes: The Ponce streetscape project will provide an improved pedestrian and bicycle connection along Ponce to the BeltLine running from Boulevard to Freedom Parkway. JHC, the project contractor, is moving west on the north side of Ponce from Freedom Parkway. This is an 18-month schedule, and the contractor is approximately 35% complete with the work. Work is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024. Weather delays (rain) have added about 60 days to the project schedule duration. Updates are posted at www.beltline.org/ponce.
• Reynoldstown Community Space: Construction has begun on the community space in Reynoldstown on the Eastside Trail, just north of Memorial Drive, and is on track to be completed by June. Envisioned as a long-term cultural landmark and community amenity, the space will feature monumental sculptural forms that serve as both public art and seating and as a component of the performance venue when activated.

  

  

  

  

  

  

Southside Trail

• Southside Trail – Segments 2 – 3: The construction of Segments 2 and 3 is on track to bid for construction in September 2023, contingent upon federal review and release. This segment is tied to federal dollars and the federal construction process.  Fiber relocation work will begin this summer, to move telecommunication lines out of the way of construction activities.
• Southside Trail – Segments 4 – 5: Reeves Young is in progress on construction mobilization activities such as trailer installation, erosion control and fencing installation.  Reeves Young will shut down access to the trail on June 19 following the final telecommunications cutover work.
• Details on each Southside Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section: Segments 2, 3, 4, and 5.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Westside Trail

• Westside Trail – Segment 4: This last major, 1.3-mile section of the Westside Trail is under construction. This segment begins at the current Westside Trail terminus near Lena Street and Washington Park and extends north to Law Street where the trail ties into the Westside BeltLine Connector and the completed Westside Trail – Segment 3. This presentation given in February 2023 details the project phasing. We are currently in phase I with the construction contractor, Astra Group, focusing between Lena Street and Westmoor Drive. This project is expected to be complete in summer of 2025.
• Details on this Westside Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section for Segment 4.
• Ralph David Abernathy Access Point (at Westview) This project will provide a new access point to the Westside Trail, with a new protected crossing across Ralph David Abernathy and a ramp and stair connection to the BeltLine. A landscaped plaza is also part of the design. The GDOT permits have been received and ABI has posted this bid for construction, with a bid award anticipated in May.
• Ralph David Abernathy Complete Streets: This is a streetscape improvement project in the heart of the business district.  The project is approximately 800’ in length and includes parking protected bicycle lanes. The GDOT permits have been received and ABI is planning to bid this work for construction in June with a bid award in August.

  

  

  

  

Northwest Trail

• Northwest Trail – Segment 1: This section of trail is 0.8 miles in length, beginning at the western edge of Peachtree Parks Apartments and running south along Peachtree Creek. Design is 30% complete, with 60% design expected by this summer. A public meeting was held on May 25 – download the presentation and view the meeting recording.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 2: This segment begins at the corner of Bobby Jones Golf Course and travels east along Colonial Hills Circle for 0.7 miles. Survey and other fieldwork is in progress and is expected to be complete by the end of March, with 30% drawings expected to be complete by the summer.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 3: This section of trail begins at Trabert Ave near Monday Night Brewing’s parking lot and ends after crossing under I-75 at Tanyard Creek, for a total length of 1.2 miles. Design drawings are expected to be 30% complete by June.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 4: This 0.9-mile-long trail begins at English and Culpepper and ends at the parking lot of Monday Night Brewery at Trabert. Survey and field work is complete on Segment 4, and early design work is in progress, with 30% drawings expected in fall of this year.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 5: This trail section begins at the intersection of Marietta Blvd and Huff Rd, traveling to Ellsworth Industrial and English Street for a total of 0.7 miles. Design is complete. Real estate work is currently underway to purchase the right-of-way needed to construct the trail. The final closing dates will drive the timing of when this project is posted for construction. The Invitation to Bid and construction start are both anticipated in the third quarter of this year.
• A public meeting was held on May 25 – download the presentation and view the meeting recording.

You can view April’s design and construction update here. The next Quarterly Briefing will take place on June 8 – register on Zoom here.