Construction will start earlier than expected on segments two and three of the BeltLine Southside Trail.
The segments were originally expected to be complete in June 2026, but are now set to be finished in the first quarter of 2026, according to a news release, creating 17.9 miles of continuous paved trail. This includes 16.3 miles of continuous mainline trail and 1.6 miles of the Westside Connector Trail.
This construction is big for the BeltLine, creating the longest continuous stretch of mainline trail so far.
The BeltLine ultimately will extend for 22 miles of mainline trail, connecting more than 45 neighborhoods, with an additional 11 miles of connector trails. All 22 miles of mainline trail are expected to be complete in 2030.
Segments 2 and 3 will extend 1.9 miles from Pittsburgh Yards in southwest Atlanta to Boulevard in southeast Atlanta. These trail segments will provide safe passage under 16 lanes of the Interstate 75/85 connector and under an active vehicle and freight rail intersection at McDonough Boulevard. The trail will also connect to several schools and parks.
The accelerated construction schedule is part of the city’s efforts to prepare for the influx of visitors expected for the eight World Cup soccer matches that will be played in Atlanta in 2026.
“By accelerating the completion of the longest continuous stretch of the BeltLine trail yet, we are accelerating equal access to economic prosperity and some of the best natural beauty Atlanta has to offer,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “From our federal and non-profit partners to our engineers and contractors, this has truly been a group project. Thank you to everyone involved in creating safer, healthier and more connected communities in our city.”
The BeltLine currently has more than 2 million annual visits.
