By Brent Huff
Exciting momentum is building for neighborhood connectivity in Southeast Atlanta. The South Moreland Avenue Working Group (SMAWG) recently met with representatives from the PATH Foundation and Halidom/IST Systems to discuss key progress on the Atlanta BeltLine Southeast Connector Trail (ABSECT)—a transformative infrastructure project that will connect five SAND neighborhoods to the Atlanta BeltLine and to DeKalb County’s South River Trail Network
Once complete, the trail will create an unbroken path starting at the Atlanta BeltLine/United Avenue in Ormewood Park, running through Boulevard Heights and Benteen Park, continuing through Woodland Hills, and extending into DeKalb County. Additionally, an access point at Woodland Avenue will connect nearby Custer-McDonough-Guice (CMG) directly into the network.
While design details are being refined, the preliminary engineering scope highlights major infrastructure additions along the north side of Intrenchment Creek:
Bridges & Tunnels: Current concepts include two new bridges—one linking the SWIFT development to the State of Georgia complex and another spanning the rear of the Halidom property—as well as a pedestrian tunnel under Woodland Avenue with a neighborhood access point.
Benteen Elementary Spur Trail: SMAWG proposed adding a dedicated spur trail connecting the main trail directly to Benteen Elementary School. The PATH Foundation responded very favorably, as much of the proposed route utilizes a Georgia Power easement and city-owned land.
Moreland Avenue Crossing: When the trail reaches Moreland Avenue, users will cross at the newly installed Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK signal) at Lynwyn Lane (between Halidom and Dunkin). While a full grade-separated tunnel under Moreland is not in the initial build—as it would require replacing the existing Moreland Avenue bridge over Intrenchment Creek—strong future trail usage may lay the groundwork for long-term grade-separated solutions in time.
Once across Moreland, the trail will join the recently announced Donzi Trail as part of the South River Trail network in DeKalb County at Custer Avenue.
Major infrastructure trails take time to move from concept to concrete. The engineering and design phase is anticipated to take approximately two years, followed by roughly two years of construction. Residents can expect full completion and opening between 2030 and 2031. SAND leadership will continue to provide updates as design milestones progress and community input opportunities arise.
