Atlanta is marking a major milestone in its ambitious urban trail project today as the Atlanta Beltline officially opens Southside Trail Segments 2 and 3.
The 1.9-mile addition connects key parts of the network, linking the Southside, Eastside, and Westside trails and creating approximately 16.7 miles of continuous mainline trail. This expansion ties together 36 neighborhoods across the Northwest, Westside, Southside, Eastside, and Northeast sections of the Beltline.
Atlanta Beltline Opens Southside Trail Segments 2 and 3
The new segments run from west of I-75/85 (near McDaniel Street at University Avenue) to Boulevard, passing landmarks like Pittsburgh Yards®. They build on the earlier opening of Segments 4 and 5 in April 2026, which added 1.2 miles connecting Glenwood Park, Grant Park, Ormewood Park, and Boulevard Heights.
A Long-Awaited Connection Timed for FIFA World Cup
Construction on Segments 2 and 3 began in May 2024. The project faced delays from unexpected environmental cleanup (brownfield remediation) near Milton Avenue and D.H. Stanton Park, but crews accelerated work to ensure the trail would be open and accessible for the 2026 FIFA World Cup events in Atlanta. Most concrete pouring wrapped up by spring 2026, with final punch-list items, landscaping, and ramp completions extending into early June.
The trail features a 14-foot-wide concrete multi-use path with soft shoulders, designed for walkers, runners, cyclists, and others. It includes new stormwater infrastructure, retaining walls, bridges, and improved access points, enhancing safety and connectivity in southwest Atlanta.
Public Celebration Today
The Atlanta Beltline invited the public to a ribbon-cutting celebration at 4 p.m., June 12, at 352 University Ave. SW (near Pittsburgh Yards). Attendees took part in community festivities highlighting this “milestone moment” for the city’s growing trail network.
Broader Impact of the Beltline
The Beltline, conceived from a 1999 Georgia Tech thesis to repurpose historic rail corridors, has evolved into a transformative force for Atlanta. It drives economic growth, with billions in private investment, new housing, businesses, parks, and public art along the routes. The expanded connectivity promotes active transportation, reduces car dependency, links diverse neighborhoods, and boosts local commerce.
Future phases will continue building toward the full 22-mile loop, including additional connectors, parks, and long-planned transit elements. While challenges like environmental remediation and construction timelines persist, today’s opening underscores steady progress toward a more walkable, vibrant Atlanta.
Whether you’re a daily commuter, weekend explorer, or visitor in town for the World Cup, the new Southside segments offer fresh ways to experience the city’s heart and soul. Lace up your shoes, hop on a bike, or join the celebration—Atlanta’s trails just got even better.
- Check out These World Cup Atlanta Watch Parties
- The Battery Atlanta Hosting World Cup Viewing Parties
- Decatur WatchFest ’26 Goes Live for Cup Parties
Safe travels on the trails!