BeltLine SW Study Group – RDA Complete Streets Update

Come see the final concept design for the Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW Complete Street project at Westview Village and provide input for the Arts & Culture Strategic Implementation Plan!

In this public meeting, the Atlanta BeltLin will present the final concept of the proposed complete streets project for Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW. After this brief presentation, the Atlanta BeltLine needs your help to provide feedback and shape the future of Arts and Culture along the Atlanta BeltLine as they develop the Arts and Culture Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP). The Arts and Culture SIP will detail opportunities for visual and performing arts, historic considerations and exhibits, as well as actionable funding strategies for Arts and Culture programming along the Atlanta BeltLine. A series of study group meetings will be utilized for the public to provide input into this plan. The agenda for each study group will be the same so plug into whichever meeting is convenient for you.

RDA Complete Street Project History
In 2014 Westview residents made a big impact when they came out in large numbers to request improvements in the neighborhood at a series of Infrastructure Bond meetings. The City of Atlanta listened and included a number of Westview projects on the list, including making Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard a “complete street” between Cascade Avenue and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The City of Atlanta hired the Atlanta BeltLine as the partner/facilitator of the project. Three planning and visioning meetings were held in 2017 as part of the process.

What is a Complete Street?
“Complete Streets are streets for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work.” (Renew Atlanta)

Repaving
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) started initial project preparations in the summer, and repaved and restriped Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard in the fall/winter of 2017. This will result in a safer Westview Village due to traffic calming measures through reduced driving lanes, added on-street parking spots, and added bicycle lanes.

Sidewalks/Streetscape
The City of Atlanta has hired the Atlanta BeltLine to facilitate the design process of creating a more pedestrian-friendly area along the road.