Atlanta Streetcar project installs first tracks

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

In Georgia, the Atlanta Streetcar project received its first delivery of track on Edgewood Avenue. Crews lowered seven sections of rail into the trackbed near the intersection of Bell Street and Edgewood Avenue and will continue the installation east along Edgewood Avenue towards Jackson Street.

This is the first time in more than 60 years that Atlanta has had streetcar tracks.

“Today’s construction activity signifies an important step forward for the Atlanta Streetcar project and underscores the city’s commitment to build a new, world-class transit system that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors for years to come,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “There is real momentum gaining for this project and once completed, the Atlanta Streetcar will be transformational for the downtown corridor.”

The Atlanta Streetcar project is a cooperative effort by the city of Atlanta, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). The 2.7-mile line will run through the heart of Atlanta’s business, tourism and convention corridor, bringing jobs and new economic development to the city. It is expected to serve as a catalyst for millions of dollars in new residential, office and retail development.

Each section of rail is approximately 80 feet in length and weighs 3,040 pounds. Construction contractors forecast completing one block of track installation every three to four weeks.

The streetcar line will include 12 stops and will reconnect the two halves of downtown that were disconnected by freeway construction. The line will connect with MARTA’s rail and bus systems and will have eventual connectivity to the Atlanta BeltLine

Construction of the alignment is underway and service for the Atlanta Streetcar is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2014.

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