Work starts on extended path that could link to Atlanta Beltline

Officials in Chamblee kicked off construction Friday to extend a walking trail that could one day connect to other parts of metro Atlanta.

The “Rail Trail” is Chamblee’s own version of the Beltline — an old railroad converted into a walking, running and bike path through the city. The project that began Friday  will extend the Rail Trail to Peachtree Road. It will continue to McGaw Drive to the west and Pierce Drive to the east along Peachtree Road, past the Chamblee MARTA station, the city said in a statement.

Eventually, the Rail Trail could link up with the Peachtree Creek Greenway, a project that aims to cut through Doraville, Chamblee and Brookhaven to connect with the Beltline in Atlanta.

Last year, Chamblee purchased some property from MARTA to move forward with the expansion.

The extension project accompanies renovations to Peachtree Road’s “streetscape,” which will include better sidewalks, street furniture, on-street parking and landscaping, the city said. You can expect improved intersections and crosswalks along Peachtree Road, as well.

The work is expected to be completed in the next year. It’s funded by T-SPLOST dollars.