Atlanta Beltline Invests in Major Infrastructure Enhancements with Completion of Streetscapes on Ponce and Ralph David Abernathy

The Atlanta Beltline has completed two transformative streetscape projects on Ponce de Leon Avenue and Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, marking significant progress towards the City of Atlanta’s vision for safer streets and sidewalks, better mobility and more access to economic opportunities. 

These pedestrian and bike corridors expand access to economic opportunity and strengthen multimodal connectivity to the Atlanta Beltline—all key pillars of Mayor Andre Dickens’ Moving Atlanta Forward infrastructure agenda.

Ponce de Leon Avenue Streetscape

Spanning 0.7 miles from Boulevard to Freedom Parkway in the Old Fourth Ward providing connectivity to  the Eastside Trail, the Ponce Streetscape upgrades include:

• New sidewalks and pedestrian lighting

• New ramp to the Eastside Trail at the north side of the Ponce de Leon Avenue bridge

• Improved and extended bike lanes

• New traffic signals and relocated utilities from Boulevard to Ponce de Leon Place

• Raised center medians  

Funded through the Livable Centers Initiative of the Atlanta Regional Commission, the project was made possible by an 80/20 split between federal and local funding sources, including the Regional Economic Business Assistance program and the Beltline. Design is by Kimley-Horn and construction by JHC.

“This project reflects the Beltline’s commitment to sustainable design, connectivity and investment in infrastructure that directly supports the user experience on the trail and surrounding neighborhoods,” said Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “These new access points, bike lanes and more make our city safer and more accessible for everyone.”

Ralph David Abernathy (RDA) Boulevard Streetscape

In the heart of Southwest Atlanta’s Westview business district, the 0.5 mile RDA Streetscape improves Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard from East Ontario Avenue to Willard Avenue. The completed streetscape enhances a district filled with entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The ‘Complete Street’ conversion features:

• Designated marked crosswalk and center median for KIPP Strive Academy and the median protected parking for the Westview Cemetery further west on RDA Blvd

• New bicycle lanes 

• Road resurfacing

• Widened sidewalks and curb replacements

• New striping and pedestrian lighting

• Newly planted trees and landscaping

This project, completed in March 2025, was funded by the Renew Atlanta Infrastructure Bond (RAIB) and delivered by the Beltline on behalf of the City of Atlanta. It was designed by Volkert, Inc. and built by F.S. Scarborough, LLC.

“With improved walkability and bike access near the Westside Trail, this project supports local businesses and encourages healthy, active mobility in a historic neighborhood,” said Kim Wilson, the Beltline’s Vice President of Design and Construction. “It’s about more than infrastructure—it’s about investing in the heart of our communities.”

The RDA Streetscape is adjacent to the Atlanta Beltline Westside Trail, including Westside Segment 4 which opened in June 2025. Complementary to the streetscapes project, the Westside Trail Access Point and Plaza at South Gordon Street and RDA Boulevard was completed in February 2025. It features a ramp and staircase enhancing connectivity and accessibility to the Westside Trail. Funding for the project was made possible through the Beltline Tax Allocation District. 

“As the Atlanta Beltline continues to deliver high-impact infrastructure projects across the city, these completed streetscape projects underscore our broader commitment to building an Atlanta that is safer, more accessible and better connected for all,” Higgs added.

Media images can be found here.

Pictured left to right: Midtown Alliance Representative; Hugh Malkin, Midtown Neighbors' Association Chairperson - Infrastructure; Mike Alexander, Chief Operating Officer, Atlanta Regional Commission; Councilmember Carden Wyckoff, Atlanta City Council, District 2; Ruben Brooks, Chief Operating Officer, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.; Councilmember Alex Wan, Atlanta City Council, District 6; Stacey Key, Georgia Department of Transportation Board Member, 5th Congressional District