Atlanta BeltLine benefits from safety improvements near Piedmont Park

ATLANTA – The Atlanta BeltLine isn’t even finished, but work is already underway.

Work will begin Sunday, June 9 on 10th Street and Monroe Drive, near Piedmont Park.

It is part of the construction of Segment 1 of the Atlanta BeltLine Northeast Trail. 24-hour closures are planned until the evening of June 14 around 5 p.m. Then there will be single lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September.

The project aims to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

“It’s great. We really need some traffic calming here. It’s a very pedestrian intersection and, as you can see, cars are flying north and south here on Monroe, and it’s pretty dangerous for pedestrians,” said Scott White, who lives nearby.

Alissa Palladino, who was crossing the intersection Tuesday evening, says the potential traffic problems are worth it. “I think a few days of rerouting will be worth it in the end.”

Renderings from Atlanta BeltLine Inc. show what’s to come. “Atlanta BeltLine is managing the project in conjunction with the City of Atlanta DOT,” said Kynthia Gaines, director of construction for Atlanta BeltLine Inc. “We are just asking the general public to be patient next week. We understand this is going to be an inconvenience, but it will ultimately provide a better experience.

The project includes a new bike lane on 10th Street, a raised crosswalk, improved crossings and pedestrian signals, and new traffic signals. “The goal of the project is to provide connectivity to the BeltLine, from the existing connector on the east side to the new northeast trail segment that connects to Piedmont Park. It will also increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists at the intersection of 10th and Monroe,” Gaines said.

A press release from Atlanta BeltLine Inc. states: “Detour routes will guide trail users and drivers through Kanuga to Virginia and Charles Allen to 8th Street throughout intersection construction . In the event of bad weather, the closure will be postponed from June 16 to June. 20.