Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Opening of Northeast Trail – Segment 1

On Tuesday, November 12, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta Beltline, Inc. President & CEO Clyde Higgs and other community leaders came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Northeast Trail – Segment 1. This 0.9 mile-segment of the mainline Beltline loop begins at the improved intersection of 10th Street and Monroe Drive and extends along Piedmont Park to Westminster Drive.  

"The Beltline has become one of the most influential transportation projects in the nation,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “This is more than just a trail project – it is embodying the collective vision of bringing the city together to reconnect our communities. And we’re doing just that. The Northeast Trail is one of the most anticipated segments of the entire project, giving residents greater access to the legendary Piedmont Park, crucial transportation improvements and enhanced safety measures at 10^th and Monroe.”  

This portion of the Beltline links to the existing Eastside Trail and Northeast Trail – Segment 2, connecting the neighborhoods of Midtown, Virginia Highland, and Morningside. It also includes Piedmont Park’s Carriage Trail, which connects Westminster Drive to Evelyn Street and the Westminster Trail Bridge.  

Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc., discussed the significant milestone marked by this segment’s completion, stating “This project provides Atlantans with a safe, accessible, and equitable way to navigate the city, linking neighborhoods and offering expanded access to Atlanta’s ‘emerald necklace’, connecting residents to beloved spaces like Piedmont Park.”  

 The highly-anticipated project, scheduled for completion on November 17, will increase pedestrian and bicycle safety and accessibility. The redesigned intersection also provides Atlanta Public School students and trail users with a safer route through a heavily trafficked area, ensuring a secure and accessible path across the city’s busy roadway.  

With the completion of this segment, the Beltline has delivered 11.3 miles of the 22-mile Beltline mainline loop, and 85% of the mainline trail is now complete or under construction.  

 Northeast Trail – Segment 1 is currently open with minor limitations due to the final installation work underway on railings and handrails. Landscaping and the completion of other minor projects will take place in the upcoming winter months.   

See more photos of the event here.