The Atlanta Beltline

Atlanta has become the most populated city in the Southeast because of the Western and Atlantic Railroad system. The railroad's purpose was to link Savannah to the midwest. The railroad was originally supposed to run from Chattanooga to a spot called "Terminus" located East of the Chattahoochee River, but after further evaluation "Five Points" in downtown Atlanta was chosen as mile zero.  


Today the Western and Atlantic railroad tracks are overgrown and no longer used for their original purpose. The 22 miles of railroad tracks around Atlanta is referred to as the Beltline. The beltline is a plan to develop the 22 miles of railroad into trails, parks, affordable housing, and a high speed train. This will connect 45 neighborhoods to one another and provide easy access to the city! This has attracted new developments and renovations all over the city!

Beltline.org says, "The Atlanta Beltline is the most comprehensive economic development effort ever undertaken in the City of Atlanta and among the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment projects currently underway in the United States." 

Old Fourth Ward in downtown has already began huge renovations! 

Look how nice it is already!

The beltline has already begun development in the Westside and Collier Hills. It will continue to Lindbergh, past Piedmont Park and back to downtown. 

Here is a video with more information on the beltline: 

If you would like to donate or volunteer to help with the beltline go to beltline.org!