As predicted by Atlanta Beltline officials, a recent spate of seasonably warm temps sent concrete installation into overdrive on one of the most highly anticipated trail sections to date. 

Beleaguered by rain, freezing temps, and other hurdles, construction on Southside Trail—Segments 4 and 5 has nonetheless reached Glenwood Avenue and an existing multi-use trail to the north, providing patrons a sneak peek and fresh perspectives on the city this past weekend. 

Where construction fencing barring Southside Trail entry was removed this past weekend. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Location of Southside Trail—Segments 4 and 5, totaling 1.2 miles, in relation to the full 22-mile loop. Atlanta Beltline Inc.

Beltline officials relayed last week the segment’s planned official opening in March was in jeopardy, blaming temperatures below 40 degrees that make concrete pouring impossible. 

Certain project elements—including railing work at a key elevated point on the new trail, the winding United Avenue ramp—aren’t expected to be finished until spring. Security cameras and lighting installation also must be complete before the trail is officially open, Beltline officials have said.  

The sections in question stretch 1.2 miles from Glenwood Avenue down to Boulevard. 

The two Southside Trail segments are all that stand in the way of a contiguous Beltline corridor linking southern Buckhead to the doorstep of Zoo Atlanta, a distance of more than seven miles.  

Unexpected hurdles involving underground utilities at United Avenue, among other complications, have thwarted the Beltline’s revised goals of having the trail open by summer and fall last year, and then by January this year. An official March opening—the latest announced target—would have meant the Southside Trail in question, which started construction in June 2023, was delayed by roughly a year from initial projections. 

Once the trail is open, the United Avenue bridge will remain under construction and closed, per officials.

The 915 Glenwood apartments, at left, and active concrete ready-mix site Argos USA, at right. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

West of Boulevard, Beltline officials now expect the last Southside Trail sections to be built (Segments 2 and 3) to see all concrete work finished by April. 

The full trail will be open and accessible before FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities in June, though some ancillary construction projects will continue, Beltline officials say. When finished, the Southside Trail sections will bridge finished trails that run down the east and west sides of Atlanta, creating a nearly 18-mile J of contiguous mainline Beltline pathways and linking together dozens of neighborhoods. 

Swing up to the gallery for a quick photo tour of the latest Beltline pieces to (unofficially) debut. 

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• Photos: Newest NE Beltline section lends fresh perspectives on Atlanta (Urbanize Atlanta)