Atlanta BeltLine Design and Construction Updates: August 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.  

BeltLine Transit Study 

• The Atlanta BeltLine is working with Kimley-Horn to conduct a transit study, which will include 13 miles of corridor with alternatives analysis between the Lindbergh and Bankhead MARTA stations and continuing counterclockwise to Glenwood Avenue. A community meeting will be held virtually on September 25 at 6:30 p.m. Register here. 

Northeast Trail 

• Northeast Trail – Segment 1: A groundbreaking ceremony took place on Friday, August 4! The trail is now closed for construction. Construction crews are installing erosion control fencing along much of the segment from Monroe Drive to Westminster Drive through Piedmont Park. The first phase of work will be along the Piedmont Park Carriage Trail, running south from Westminster Drive along Clear Creek and through the North Woods. Select tree removal and removal of the existing cracked asphalt trail surface is scheduled to begin in the next two weeks. The BeltLine continues to work alongside Piedmont Park Conservancy, City of Atlanta Parks Department, and Atlanta Department of Transportation on this project. The pedestrian safety improvements planned for the intersection of 10th and Monroe Drive will take place later in the construction schedule and with ample community notice. The project is expected to be complete in fall of 2024.
• Northeast Trail – Segment 2: Concrete is flowing as the final sections of trail connecting to Piedmont Park are poured. The mainline trail construction work is scheduled to be completed this fall, with final landscaping to follow later this year and early 2024. A sidewalk north of Mason Street will be in construction after the trail is opened to the public for use due to delayed GDOT approvals. A late change to the project included the addition of a retaining wall under the Piedmont Road bridge and that work is expected to be complete by the end of the year. Ansley Mall is in progress on a bridge connecting the rear of their retail stores to the BeltLine trail.
• Northeast Trail – Segment 3: The design team is scheduled to complete 90% drawings by February of 2024, after which GOT approvals will be required prior to construction letting, which is targeted for May 2025. The Atlanta BeltLine real estate team is also progressing on right of way purchase and easements required to build the trail.
• 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 de Leon Avenue to the BeltLine running from Boulevard to Freedom Parkway. The general contractor has completed work on the north side of Ponce and are now moving from west to east on the south side of the road from Boulevard back toward Freedom Parkway.  Clearing got underway on the ramp between the Eastside Trail and Ponce de Leon Avenue. This is an 18-month schedule, and the contractor is approximately 45% 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: A sneak peek + ribbon cutting took place on August 25 with the community. The space will be fully complete in the first quarter of 2024.
  

  

  

  

Southside Trail 

• Southside Trail – Segments 2 – 3: The construction of Segments 2 and 3 is on track to bid for construction later this year or early in 2024, contingent upon federal review and release. This segment is tied to federal dollars and the federal construction process. Fiber relocation work is underway and expected to last through the end of September. It will take place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays will be used for make-up weather days if necessary. The contractor will have spotters in place whenever equipment is in use on the trail. Additionally, Georgia Power is working on power pole relocations.
  This project has achieved 80% federal funding, and the grant agreement for the federal RAISE grant for $16.46M was executed this month. Contingent upon the federal construction process, permitting, and utility relocation, the goal is to begin trail construction in spring 2024. 
• Southside Trail – Segments 4 – 5: Large scale clearing and grading are in full swing. Current activities include the installation of piping and structures underground that will mitigate and manage storm water on the completed project. The trail will be closed for the duration of construction, expected to last through spring 2025. Detour options can be found here. A virtual public meeting was held August 17 for Segments 4 and 5. Download the presentation and view the meeting recording here. 
• 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 1.3-mile 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 segment requires several bridges and crews are progressing on their construction from south to north. Some portions of this trail alignment do not have an existing rail bed for use, so the elevated trail helps to maintain level grades and provide accessibility for all abilities. The foundation work for bridges 1 (at the north end of Washington Park), 2 (between Washington Park and Ollie Street), 3 (between Ollie Street and Washington Manor), and 5 have been completed this month.  The concrete superstructure for bridges 1, 2 and 3 are complete as well. We have begun grading work at the north end of the segment at Donald Lee Hollowell and will be working on bridge 6 at the beginning of September.  Fine grading is taking place near Washington Park. Explore the phasing approach and latest info in this presentation from July 31. Details on this Westside Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section for Segment 4. This project is expected to be complete in summer of 2025.
  
• 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. A contract has been executed with F.S. Scarbrough. The contractor will be mobilizing in October.   
• 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 and protected bicycle lanes. An invitation to Bid was posted for construction with bids due August 1st. We expect to have a construction firm under contract, with work starting and the contractor mobilized before the end of this year.
  

  

  

  

Westside Park

• Pump track and mountain bike trails: Announced in July, we will be designing and constructing a 2-mile mountain bike trail and a pump track facility, along with a gathering space, in Westside Park. A virtual community meeting was held on July 31. Download the presentation here to view images and view the meeting recording here. Design is expected to take approximately 12 months, which will inform when construction could start, and fundraising that may be required to execute the complete vision for this area of the park.

Enota Park

• A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is currently open to procure a construction manager for Enota Park. Construction is now funded and targeted to start in Spring of 2024.

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. We are currently soliciting for a Construction Manager at Risk for Segment 1 with 90% design expected this fall. The construction manager will assist with construction logistics, budgeting, and scheduling the project as the drawings are being completed.
• 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. 60% design is expected this winter.
• A virtual public meeting was held August 24 for Segments 1 and 2. Download the presentation and view the meeting recording here. Renderings from the presentation are included below.
• 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 will be 90% complete by December of this year. A solicitation for a Construction Manager at Risk Services is in progress and will provide early assistance with construction logistics, scheduling, and budgeting while the drawings are being completed.
• 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. Design will be 30% complete this fall. 
• 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 and all required permits have been procured. Real estate work is currently underway to purchase the final right-of-way needed to construct the trail. Real estate closing dates will drive the timing of when this project is posted for construction. The project will be posted for a construction bid as soon as the real estate transaction is complete. Construction is anticipated to start at the end of 2023 or early 2024.
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

You can view July’s design and construction update here.  The next Quarterly Briefing will take place on September 14 with both in-person and virtual options.