The Beltline is expanding the Westside Trail with new sections, including the Kudzu Trail, while also redeveloping abandoned rail corridors, with completion expected between 2025 and 2027.
The Atlanta Beltline is actively expanding its Westside Trail, with four sections under construction, including the largest near Westside Park. The new portion, known as the Kudzu Trail, will stretch from Lena Street and Washington Park to the completed Westside Trail Segment 3 and the Westside Beltline Connector. Construction has already made significant progress, with bridges built, trail sections poured, and landscaping preparations underway, with the first portion set to be finished by spring 2025 and other sections completed by 2027.
In addition to the Kudzu Trail, the Beltline is working on the Westside Trail - Segment 6, which connects the trail at Lawton Street SW to Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard. Though the project is currently limited to a sidewalk connection and a rail corridor diversion, it will eventually feature a full trail connection on the rail corridor. Design efforts for this segment will continue through 2026, with construction expected to wrap up by 2027, followed by landscaping. The Beltline's progress is part of a larger plan to revitalize and redevelop the city's abandoned rail corridors into functional public spaces.
FULL STORY: Atlanta Beltline adding new sections to Westside Trail, plans to develop abandoned rail corridor
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