BeltLine wins $16.5 million award to extend Southside Trail

The Beltline’s Southside Trail on Wednesday received a $16.5 million funding boost, bringing the paved path two miles closer to its goal of connecting southwest Atlanta neighborhoods to the city's east side.

Why it matters: Once built, the new two-mile segment would extend the Southside Trail from Pittsburgh Yards, where it currently ends, to Boulevard in Grant Park.

• The planned segments are currently graveled urban hiking trails, and the paved path will give pedestrians, bicyclists, joggers and people using wheelchairs greater access.

The big picture: When the Southside Trail is complete, a bicyclist will be able to pedal roughly 10 miles on a paved path from Piedmont Park to Washington Park on the opposite side of town — and only have to cross a handful of streets to do so.

• The first segment of the Southside Trail connecting Adair Park to Pittsburgh Yards opened in September.

Construction is expected to start within two years and will be funded by a federal grant.

• Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock urged Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to consider the project.

Thomas’ thought bubble: I'm thrilled that more Atlantans will get access to the very cool, very beautiful tunnel along this part of the Southside Trail (below).