BeltLine wins $16.5 million award to extend Southside Trail
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The RAISE grant would pay to build Segment 2 and 3. Map courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Inc.
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).
