Under overcast skies but high spirits, Mayor Andre Dickens joined hundreds of residents, partners, and elected officials on Thursday afternoon to celebrate two key milestones in the Atlanta BeltLine’s Northwest Trail: the ribbon-cutting for Segment 5 and groundbreaking for Segment 4.
The event, held at 1425 Fairmont Avenue NW in the Blandtown neighborhood, drew community members and partners from across the city—symbolizing the BeltLine’s enduring role in connecting neighborhoods and people. “The Northwest Trail continues the work of connecting Atlanta’s neighborhoods and giving people better access to jobs, parks, schools, activities, and each other,” said Mayor Dickens.
Connecting Communities Across the Northwest Corridor
Segment 5 spans 0.8 miles, beginning north of Marietta Boulevard and Huff Road and traveling to Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard and English Street. It links directly to the Westside Trail, creating new access points for neighborhoods including Blandtown, Berkeley Park, and the Upper Westside.
The newly launched Segment 4, now under construction, will add another 0.9 miles from English and Culpepper Streets eastward across Howell Mill Road, ending at Monday Night Brewing. This stretch will bypass the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant and extend the network of safe, accessible trails that define the BeltLine experience.
Together, these segments move the city closer to realizing the full 4.3-mile Northwest Trail, which will eventually connect Blandtown and Lindbergh/Morosgo while linking several neighborhoods across northwest Atlanta—including Underwood Hills, Loring Heights, Brookwood, Collier Hills, and Garden Hills.
A Decade of Progress and Partnership
The Northwest Trail is unique in that it follows no abandoned rail corridor, requiring creative engineering and strong partnerships to bring the vision to life. Over the past year, the City of Atlanta and Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. have celebrated a string of accomplishments: breaking ground on Segment 1 near Peachtree Creek, opening Segment 3A near Monday Night Brewing, and now cutting the ribbon on Segment 5 while breaking ground on Segment 4.
“Every new connection makes me proud of all we’re building toward—one city that’s safer, more vibrant, more connected, and stronger than ever before,” said Dickens. “The BeltLine represents how Atlanta grows from its partnerships, community, and a shared commitment to keep improving life for everyone who calls this city home.”
Building for the Future
As part of the Built for the Future pillar of Mayor Dickens’ administration, the BeltLine continues to drive inclusive development—supporting affordable housing, green space, and local businesses along its path. Congresswoman Lucy McBath, APS Board Chair Erika Mitchell, and community leaders including Yasmeen Hyder of the Blandtown Neighborhood Association joined the celebration, underscoring how the project embodies collaboration between federal, city, and local partners.
With each new milestone, the BeltLine reinforces Atlanta’s reputation as a city that invests in connection, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
