Safety improvements begin for 10th and Monroe intersection

A few weeks ago, one of the most anticipated public spaces in Atlanta officially opened with the Atlanta BeltLine's Eastside Trail.

The new 2.25-mile long section of the Atlanta BeltLine, running from Irwin St. to 10th St. and Monroe Dr., connects the neighborhoods of Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, Poncey Highland and Virginia Highland.

But as many trail users know, when the trail reaches Monroe, there are still safety concerns in attempting to cross Monroe to reach Piedmont Park and Park Tavern, especially during the rush hour commute.

Those concerns will soon be alleviated somewhat as construction began this past week on new pedestrian signals and a 28-foot wide striped pedestrian crossing with new curb ramps built into the sidewalks on either side of Monroe Dr. These will allow trail users (and non-trail users) to cross Monroe Dr. to Piedmont Park more easily.

The City of Atlanta Public Works Department approved the design for the traffic signal and pavement striping improvements for the intersection.

The traffic signals for the Virginia Avenue and 10th St. intersections with Monroe will be re-timed and coordinated in anticipation of heavier pedestrian and bicyclist activity through the area. Construction is scheduled to be completed by mid-December, weather permitting. 

While improvements will occur on all four “corners” of the intersection, Atlanta BeltLine officials requested that the contractor prioritize the interface between the Park Tavern corner and the Eastside Trail.

- The Atlanta BeltLine contributed to this story