By Bob Titus
At the Atlanta Beltline Quarterly briefing on June 6th, staff indicated that they are working on initial plans for the pedestrian/bike/cultural trail of the southeast segment of the Beltline (from Glenwood to University Avenue). These plans will be shared with the community later this year, possibly around August or October.
Staff confirmed early news that a required environmental assessment is being undertaken along the segment now. This will require 12-18 months to complete and gain federal approval, and must be concluded before the actual acquisition negotiations can take place. The negotiations may take an additional 12-18 months. The target date for this process to be completed is in 2016.
A major obstacle for the transit component of the SE Beltline segment is the impediment presented by the existing CSX/MARTA rail corridor, Hulsey Yard multi-modal freight yard, and Dekalb Avenue. Funds are either being sought, or have been gained, to conduct a formal review of this situation. Possible alternatives include building new tunneling, or sharing or expanding the rights-of-way within existing conduits at Krog Street and Boulevard tunnels. Another option could be to route the transit component along existing surface streets that could connect with the Downtown/Auburn Streetcar. As this critical piece of the SE Beltline transit component is fully explored, these options and more will be examined.
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