A pedestrian-infrastructure project that aims to enhance walkability around one of metro Atlanta’s most popular malls is moving forward, though not as quickly as previously planned.

Buckhead Community Improvement District officials report this week that construction bids are open seeking companies to build a long-planned urban linear park along Lenox Road, a wide pathway connecting Lenox Square with a nearby MARTA station.  

That progress is a sign the Lenox Boardwalk, as the project is called, is “starting strong this year” and that “work will soon begin,” according to Buckhead CID leaders.

At last check in June, however, the work near Lenox Square was expected to break ground in October.

The Lenox Boardwalk will be the first phase of a broader, three-phase plan that aims to boost pedestrian infrastructure, traffic flow, and the general aesthetics of areas near some of Atlanta’s busiest shopping destinations and Buckhead’s main intersections.

The section of Lenox Road (and its current sidewalks) in question today, with a main mall entry at right. Google Maps

Conceptual plans for the Lenox Boardwalk's initial phase. Courtesy of Buckhead CID

According to Buckhead CID, both the first and second phases are now expected to begin construction in 2024, with design work on the latter still underway.

Near the mall, the boardwalk component will see a 10 to 12-foot multi-use trail installed along Lenox Road, spanning from the Lenox MARTA station at East Paces Ferry Road up to Peachtree Road.  

Phase two plans to pick up where the boardwalk leaves off, focusing on the section of Lenox Road between Peachtree Road and Phipps Boulevard. Upgrades call for additional lighting and larger sidewalks, staircases, and ramps.

Pedestrian infrastructure improvements planned for section two of the Lenox Road Complete Street vision. Courtesy of Buckhead CID

The final section of Lenox Road changes remains in conceptual mode but would bring the most dramatic alterations of all, spanning between Phipps Boulevard and Piedmont Road.

As first unveiled in 2022, an elevated pedestrian and bicycle bridge would rise and swoop over the car-choked Lenox Road and Ga. Highway 400 interchange, eventually acting as a gateway to Buckhead’s highway-capping park concept, HUB404, according to plans.

Plans for the Lenox Road Complete Safe Street project's third phase. Courtesy of Buckhead CID

The Buckhead Loop intersection in question today. Google Maps

A concept report for section three is being reviewed by the Georgia Department of Transportation. According to Buckhead CID’s updated timeline, construction is still expected to begin sometime in 2025.

For all three sections, Buckhead CID officials are partnering with the City of Atlanta, MARTA, GDOT, and design firms Pond & Company and Kimley-Horn.

Collectively, the Lenox Road Complete Street project is part of a study unveiled in 2017 for upgrading the busy artery through commercial Buckhead.

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