For those of you who do not know, the Atlanta BeltLine is a $2.8 billion redevelopment project consisting of a 22-mile loop around the city, which will provide public parks, multi-use trails and transit. The BeltLine transit corridor will connect to existing MARTA heavy-rail service in up to five locations.
Building the BeltLine has been a slow process, but some progress has been made. According the Beltline website, 48% of the right-of-way for transit has been preserved, and the Tier I Environmental Impact Statement is currently being assessed, which will determine the alignment for the transit corridor and the technology (modern streetcar or light rail). Also, 3.5 miles of the trail have already been completed, including the West End/Westview trail, and the Northside Trail.
A new segment, The Eastside Trail, will be completed by early 2012. The trail, which covers roughly 2.5 miles, will be an exciting option for walking, biking, and transportation in general as it will connect Piedmont Park to the Freedom Park trail, and the newly opened (and beautiful, I might add) Historic Fourth Ward Park. Also, right next to the new park, the Ponce City Market is being developed on the City Hall East building. This will be a great connector between many neighborhoods such as Midtown, Virginia Highlands, Poncey Highlands, Old Fourth Ward Park, Cabbagetwon, Sweet Auburn District, Inman Park and Reynoldstown.
