Politics & Government

10th Street Cycle Track Construction Underway in Midtown

Construction of the 10th Street cycle track is anticipated to last approximately three weeks, with a projected completion date in early August.

Construction has begun on the City of Atlanta's first two-way cycle track along a portion of 10th Street near Piedmont Park, that will create a dedicated and separated route for safe bike travel in Midtown.

The new cycle track will be marked with bright green pavement at intersections and be protected with a marked buffer and plastic posts. Other key elements of the project include installing three new ramps to connect the cycle track to trails within Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. Also, a two-stage left-turn queue box and new bicycle push-button signal will help facilitate left bicycle turns onto Charles Allen Drive from the cycle track.

“Riding safety for cyclists continues to be a top priority for my Administration,” said Mayor Kasim Reed in a news release. “Creating new, family-friendly bicycle routes for our citizens and visitors demonstrates our commitment to improving the quality of life for our citizens and creating a sustainable future.”

Phase 1 of the cycle track will be constructed on the north side of 10th Street along Piedmont Park between Charles Allen Drive and Monroe Drive. Future phases will extend the cycle track from Charles Allen Drive to Myrtle Street and eventually on to Peachtree Street. Phase 2 of the project is scheduled for later this year.

The cycle track is one of 26 new projects that will enhance bicycle safety and efficiency for cyclists. The project will connect Midtown’s core business district to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. A partnership between Midtown Alliance, the City of Atlanta and PATH Foundation is making the project possible.

This spring, under the leadership of Mayor Kasim Reed, the Atlanta City Council approved an ordinance to allocate $2.47 million in remaining bond funds to high-priority bicycle projects citywide.

Building on many successfully completed bicycle projects over the last year, the 10th Street cycle track is a component of the city’s “Connect Atlanta Plan” and an extension of the Midtown Alliance’s EcoDistrict.

“We’re pleased to be a part of this project. The 10th Street cycle track adds to the district’s existing 4.6 miles of bicycle facilities and is part of our effort to bring an additional 10+ miles of bike paths and streetscapes to Midtown,” said Kevin Green, CEO of Midtown Alliance, in a statement.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with the Midtown Alliance and the city to build Atlanta’s first two-way cycle track. This will be a way to connect our trails in places where a traditional trail is not feasible to build,” said Ed McBrayer, Executive Director of PATH Foundation, in the release.

“By 2014, you’ll see several new bicycle paths and routes created to help citizens safely get to work, school, shopping or events,” said Commissioner James E. Shelby, Department of Planning and Community Development, in the release. “Six miles of existing trails along the Atlanta BeltLine and Freedom Parkway will seamlessly be connected once the project is complete in August.”

The City of Atlanta’s Department of Planning and Community Development is leading the effort to double both the amount of bicycle commuters and miles of bicycle lanes and shared paths developed by the year 2016.

“We have over $62 million in planned transportation projects that will include the addition of new bicycle facilities over the next three years,” said Joshuah Mello, Assistant Director of Planning – Transportation.

Construction of the 10th Street cycle track is anticipated to last approximately three weeks, with a projected completion date in early August. Drivers should be aware that one westbound travel lane along a portion of 10th Street will be closed permanently for the cycle track. Traffic studies demonstrate the roadway can still operate at an acceptable level for motorists.

The 10th and 8th Street corridors were shown to be two popular bicycle routes for people reporting their trips via an application called CycleAtlanta. Unveiled in 2012, CycleAtlanta provides bicyclists with an opportunity to report their route, speed and distance information. The app, available for Apple and Android users, also allows riders to give direct feedback to city planners about the condition of roads and bicycle routes. For more information about the CycleAtlanta app, click here.


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