Update on the First Phase Construction of PATH400

The initial phase of a new 5.2-mile trail in Buckhead that will run parallel to Ga. 400 from Loridans Drive south to Morosgo Drive is well underway

Shovels hit the ground back in February for PATH400, which in a addition to bringing much-needed greenspace and connecting recreational, residential and commercial centers in the area, will also connect to the Atlanta BeltLine, and to South Fork Conservancy’s trails.

Construction on the first phase between Lenox Road and Old Ivy Road is expected to to be completed before the year is out and will result in some lane closures this summer on Ga. 400 and Lenox, Old Ivy and Ivy roads.

See the attached video from Livable Buckhead for an update on construction.

PATH400 is actually four trails in one, with experiences varying widely depending on which section of the trail a person will be using.

Nearly half of PATH400, including almost the entire section north of the Buckhead Loop, will provide a multi-use trail experience similar to trails such as the Silver Comet. Pedestrians and bicyclists will enjoy the outdoors while following a 12-foot-wideconcrete path through a natural setting that is flanked on one side by GA 400. The trail will utilize and enhance the current sound barrier to create a natural, wooded experience for PATH400 users.

As PATH400 moves south, it will wind through Tower Place, providing an urban trail experience and connecting users to shopping, restaurants and transportation options via the new pedestrian bridge to the Buckhead MARTA station set to open later this year. The trail will also provide a commercial corridor experience along Sydney Marcus Boulevard, near the Morosgo Drive trailhead.

PATH400 will connect to residential areas in multiple locations, including the historic Peachtree Park neighborhood, as well as condos near the Lindbergh MARTA station. These residential connections are key, providing pedestrian and bicycleaccess to many Buckhead amenities.

Finally, PATH400 will provides a truly unique experience for transportation enthusiasts. In what is being referred to as the infrastructure corridor experience, the trail will run alongside and underneath MARTA’s heavy rail line, one of Norfolk Southern’s busiest commercial freight lines and an Amtrak passenger line. Young (and young at heart) train enthusiasts are certain to enjoy this area of PATH400.

For more information about PATH400, visit the Livable Buckhead website at www.livablebuckhead.org.

Portions of this article were supplied by Livable Buckhead and edited for publication.