Northwest Trail Celebrates Two Major Successes with Segments 4A and 5

On October 30, the Northwest Trail hit two major milestones as Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta Beltline, Inc. President & CEO, Clyde Higgs, elected officials, and the community gathered to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ofNorthwest Trail-Segment 5 and the groundbreaking on Northwest Trail Segment -4A. These two events move the Beltline closer to its 2030 goal of completing the 22-mile loop.  

“Today is a momentous day for the Beltline as we now have nearly 14 miles of mainline trail completed,” said Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “In true Beltline fashion, we’re celebrating one opening while charging ahead on the next, accelerating progress toward the full 22-mile loop and delivering greater connectivity and access to opportunity, and stronger sense of community for our Northwest communities and all who call this city home.”  

Segment 5 begins north of the intersection of Marietta Boulevard and Huff Road, traveling to Ellsworth Industrial and English Street, transitioning into a greenway trail. As part of the project, the intersection of Ellsworth and Elaine has been reconfigured to a three-way stop for enhanced vehicular traffic safety. Now the longest continuous trail in the corridor, the segment provides direct access to the Woodall Rail Trail, the first segment of the Silver Comet Connector Trail, connecting at the intersection of Ellsworth Industrial Blvd and Elaine Avenue.

Segment 4, which is 0.9 miles, is planned to run eastward from English Street along Culpepper Street, through the City of Atlanta Waterworks Park, and across Howell Mill Road to Trabert Avenue near Monday Night Brewing. The segment has been divided into two sections for construction: Section A (0.5 miles) and Section B (0.4 miles), allowing for phased delivery and community access. Segment 4 is designed by Pond & Company, with F.H. Paschen constructing Section 4A. Section 4B will be bid for construction in 2026. PATH Foundation continues as program manager for Segment 4. 

“For us in Blandtown today, this is deeply personal. Today’s trail opening isn’t just a project on a map. It’s the next chapter for a community that continues to grow, to evolve, and to thrive," shared Yasmeen Hyder, President of the Blandtown Neighborhood Association during the event.

Once completed, the entire Northwest Trail will extend 4.3 miles between Blandtown and the Lindbergh/Morosgo neighborhoods. Unlike other sections that have been built on abandoned rail corridors, the Beltline weaves through Northwest Atlanta's complex network of roads, highways and active railways, highlighting the Beltline’s ability to tackle unique engineering challenges with ingenuity and creativity. 

The Beltline is charging towards its goal of 2030 completion, with these two events as building blocks to the Beltline’s mission of connecting Atlanta. Follow us on our social media platforms for updates on the trails progress.

Final work is underway on sections of Segment 5 with some areas remaining partially open. Please observe all posted advisories.

Pictured left to right: Ruben Brooks, Chief Operating Officer, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.; Elizabeth Hollister, Executive Director, Upper Westside CID; Councilmember Dustin Hillis, Atlanta City Council, District 9; Congresswoman Lucy McBath, U.S. House of Representatives, 6th Congressional District; City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens; Clyde Higgs, President & CEO, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.; Board Chair Erika Mitchell, Atlanta City Council, District 5; Commissioner Justin Cutler, City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation; Yasmeen Hyder, President Blandtown Neighborhood Association; Rob Brawner, Executive Director, Atlanta Beltline Partnership; Councilmember Matt Westmoreland, Atlanta City Council, District Post 2 At Large