Atlanta Beltline Doubles Down on Progress with Dual Northwest Trail Events

Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta Beltline, Inc. President & CEO, Clyde Higgs, elected officials and community members celebrated the opening of Northwest Trail  - Segment 5 while breaking ground on  Segment 4A. These milestones demonstrate the unprecedented momentum in connecting Atlanta's Northwest communities as trail construction progress continues to complete the 22-mile loop by 2030.

The newly opened 0.8-mile Segment 5 runs through Blandtown bringing connectivity to its residents. At the same time, the 0.9-mile Segment 4 breaks ground beginning pre-construction work. With the completion of Segment 5, the Beltline has delivered 13.6 miles of the main 22-mile loop, including the 6.7 continuous miles including University Avenue in southwest Atlanta to the recently completed Westside Trail - Segment 4.  

“I always say Atlanta is a group project and the Beltline represents how Atlanta grows from its partnerships and a shared commitment to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls this city home,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “The vision for the Beltline is almost fully realized and it’s already changing lives, while connecting and strengthening neighborhoods all across our city.”

Northwest Trail - Segment 5

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.

“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 was designed by Kaizen and constructed by Astra, with PATH Foundation serving as program manager. 

Northwest Trail - Segment 4 

Construction also began today on the 0.9-mile Segment 4, which will 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. 

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. 

Funding for the Beltline trail comes from public and philanthropic sources. Public funding comes from the Beltline Tax Allocation District - supported by Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County and the City of Atlanta as well as the Beltline Special Service District. Lead philanthropic support comes from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, Inc. and the James M. Cox Foundation to build the trail.

The project requires coordination among numerous partners, including Atlanta Regional Commission, Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, Atlanta Department of Transportation, Atlanta Watershed Management, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Power, MARTA, Invest Atlanta, Trees Atlanta, U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

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

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