City of Atlanta buys railroad corridor to complete Beltline’s Southside Trail
The city of Atlanta says it has completed the purchase of the largest remaining parcel needed for the Atlanta Beltline.
“This purchase of the Southside Trail extends from University Avenue on the west side to Glenwood Avenue on the east side, running adjacent to several neighborhoods including Pittsburgh, Capitol View Manor, High Point, South Atlanta, Peoplestown, Chosewood Park, Grant Park, Boulevard Heights, Ormewood Park and Summerhill,” a press release from the city says. “The trail will support developments such as Pittsburgh Yards, catalyzing economic growth and equitable access for jobs, transit, and other opportunities.”
The city paid $26 million to CSX for 4 miles of rail corridor needed to complete the Southside Trail, which will connect the Eastside and Westside Trails.
“I am pleased to announce that the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta BeltLine have concluded the largest remaining single purchase of land toward closing the Atlanta BeltLine loop,” said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said in a press release. “With this historic purchase, the City of Atlanta is taking another step forward in improving connectivity, growth and investment in South Atlanta by providing access to trails, transit options and world-class greenspace for all residents.”
The city says design of the trail is ongoing, funded with $2.4 million provided by the Atlanta Regional Commission.
“The Southside Trail will connect the east side of the Atlanta BeltLine to the west side for the first time in its history – and that changes everything.” Atlanta BeltLine Inc., President and CEO Brian P. McGowan said in a press release. “This inactive rail corridor that once divided neighborhoods can now be used to create jobs, transit and affordable housing options for communities south of downtown.”
The city says ABI wants to open the trail “in an interim state” within a year.
“The corridor will remain closed while CSX works to remove the rails and the Kimley-Horn design team begins detailed engineering and site investigations,” the press release says.
