Two pieces of legislation went before the Atlanta City Council on Monday that could put up to $15 million into completing the Southside BeltLine trail before the World Cup starts in June 2026.

Construction on the Southside trail was initially set to be completed in summer 2026 but now could wrap up earlier. The city council approved an application for a $10 million grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission to fund the project.  

Councilmember Antionio Lewis said he’s excited to see more parts of the city connected.

“Thinking about the kids at Carver High School, the young folks on Metropolitan parkway who can now take this shortcut,” he said. “If you live in Pittsburgh you can now get to your side of the district.”

The council also gave preliminary approval for an ordinance allowing the city to apply for $5 million from the U.S Department of Transportation.

The earlier timeline for the Southside trail was initially announced in April. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement the development will create safer and more connected communities.

“By accelerating the completion of the longest continuous stretch of the BeltLine trail yet, we are accelerating equal access to economic prosperity and some of the best natural beauty Atlanta has to offer,” Dickens said.

Once the segments of the Southside BeltLine are finished, it would create nearly 18 miles of paved multi-use trails.

Tags: Georgia  Atlanta  beltline