In August 2019, the Atlanta Beltline Southside Corridor opened in an interim state. One month later, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) posted an Invitation to Bid for a construction contractor to build out this first 0.75-mile segment of the multi-use trail. Astra Group, Inc. was announced in December as the selected firm. At that time, utility relocations and final permitting were already underway.
“All Atlantans deserve world-class amenities and public spaces throughout the city,” said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “This connecting trail represents our focus on advancing equity and revitalizing our communities. Not only will this enhance the Southside of our city by providing connectivity between our neighborhoods and job centers, it also supports our vision of One Atlanta. I am thrilled to share this with the residents of Southwest Atlanta.”
In April 2022, President and CEO Clyde Higgs of ABI and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff toured the Southside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline, a federally funded portion of the 22-mile loop. The project is one of the most wide-ranging and largest urban redevelopment endeavors being undertaken currently in the United States.
“Congressional support and federal funding helps accelerate the vision of the Atlanta BeltLine’s full 22-mile loop,” Higgs said to the senator, business owners and residents who attended a meeting and tour that started at Pittsburgh Yards then traveled the Southside Trail. “The Atlanta BeltLine is not only reconnecting neighborhoods historically divided and marginalized by infrastructure, but providing tools to help residents and business stay in place and flourish along the corridor.”
In March 2022, Senator Ossoff successfully led a bipartisan effort in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to secure $5 million in federal funds for the continued development of the Atlanta BeltLine. Last November, Senator Ossoff and Senator Warnock obtained an additional $16.4 million RAISE grant to propel the construction of the Southside Trail.
The Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail extends four miles and sits on a former freight rail corridor from University Avenue to Bill Kennedy Way. The next phase of the trail will sit between Boulevard and Glenwood Avenue and will go into construction later this year. Upon completion, the extension will connect the Eastside and Westside Trails to create 10 paved miles of public space for the city of Atlanta.
The Atlanta BeltLine can also count on further commitment and support from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, thanks to the efforts of Senator Ossoff.
Ossoff said, “Thank you to Clyde and the entire BeltLine team for your leadership advancing this vital infrastructure and quality of life project for Atlanta. I have built the bi-partisan support in Congress necessary to secure an additional $5 million for the development of the Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail. The bill has been signed by the President and funds are in disbursement and on the way to help support this extraordinary infrastructure. The BeltLine is a key part of metro Atlanta’s future and vital to the development of connected, thriving communities and supporting families with a high standard of living and access to education, entrepreneurial opportunities, nutrition, schools, affordable housing, and more.”
To bolster the economic capabilities and development of the Atlanta BeltLine, the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) gifted a grant, funded by the American Rescue Plan, to ABI in order to create the BeltLine Business Solutions Office.
The office will create and deliver tailored solutions to small, local businesses interested in bringing their trade to the BeltLine corridor, with a special focus on women and minority-owned businesses.
Please note that interim trails are unpaved, have limited access points, and do not have additional lighting. Visitors can use these pleasant retreats at their own risk and are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear or use a bicycle that can handle small gravel and other rough terrains.
About ABI
Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. is committed to ensuring Atlanta becomes a leading global example for inclusive, equitable and sustainable city life. With a vision of creating an economically and socially resilient Atlanta, ABI is one of the largest redevelopment programs in the country. The company provides resources through its partner organizations to foster job creation, affordable housing, inclusive transportation systems and public spaces for all.
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