BeltLine Construction Could Begin in March

Soon, you'll have an easy walk from Piedmont Park to DeKalb Avenue.

Construction is set to start on the two-and-a-half mile BeltLine trail that will bridge several neighborhoods, including Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Poncey Highland, Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park.

A concrete trail will replace the current rocky terrain, which once was railroad tracks. The path will run by three city parks: Piedmont Park, Freedom Park and the new Historic Fourth Ward Park behind City Hall East.

"You'll see a lot of activity start up in the next month," said Ethan Davidson, spokesman for the Atlanta BeltLine. 

Environmental work will begin any day now, Davidson said. That includes digging, grating and relocating utilities. After that is complete, work will begin on the 14-feet-wide trail. Trees will be planted later in the year, Davidson said. 

Construction "will be happening in segments," he said. The trail should be complete around fall.

So gone will be the days of a secluded BeltLine experience. Since the rocky trail opened, runners, walkers and mountain bikers have enjoyed a somewhat private experience. But the new paved trail should make the BeltLine more accessible to more people. 

"I think it will get pretty crowded," Davidson said.