New Beltline Interstate Bridge, Eastside Pathway Coming Soon

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Big changes are in store for a popular stretch of the Atlanta Beltline trail on the city's eastside between Reynoldstown and Ormewood Park. Atlanta Beltline Inc. officials announced that the Southside Trail segments between Glenwood Avenue and Boulevard are on pace for an official ribbon-cutting on April 16, while the rest of 'the smile' looping around to the Westside should be officially open before mid-June. Additionally, a major overhaul of the Beltline's Segment 6 along Bill Kennedy Way, stretching from Memorial Drive down to Glenwood Avenue, is set to begin construction this summer after the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.

Why it matters

The Beltline is a beloved and heavily used recreational trail system in Atlanta, and these upcoming improvements to the eastside segment will enhance the user experience with a wider, more permanent pathway, better lighting, greenery, and a new interstate bridge crossing. The project is part of the city's ongoing efforts to expand and improve the Beltline network.

The details

The Segment 6 overhaul will include swapping out temporary planters and removing on-street parking to install a new 14-foot Beltline pathway, trail lighting, cameras, more greenery, and street furniture like benches. North of the Interstate 20 crossing, the pathway will feature a new bridge with plantings on both sides, two-foot buffers, stainless-steel fencing, and large trees for 'a much more pleasant experience.' Designers are also incorporating lighted Beltline signage that echoes the look of Peachtree Street bridges elsewhere in the city. The project will be completed in two phases, with the first section from Glenwood Avenue to just south of I-20 starting construction after the World Cup in July.

• The Southside Trail segments between Glenwood Avenue and Boulevard are on pace for an official ribbon-cutting on April 16, 2026.
• The rest of 'the smile' looping around to the Westside should be officially open before mid-June 2026.
• The first section of the Segment 6 overhaul, from Glenwood Avenue to just south of I-20, is expected to start construction after the World Cup in July 2026.
• The Segment 6 overhaul is expected to take roughly 12 to 18 months to complete.
• The new Interstate 20 bridge section of the Segment 6 overhaul is expected to take 18 to 24 months to build.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Detours for getting around all segments of the Segment 6 overhaul have yet to be finalized, but will likely include channeling Beltline users into the adjacent, Kroger-anchored shopping center and back to Glenwood Avenue. A contractor for the project is also still to be hired.