One of the most adventurous sections for PATH400 is set to open on September 26. This section runs between Wieuca Road and Loridans Drive, and includes a dramatic 60 foot high bridge over Mountain Way Common. Engineering and construction of the (currently) northernmost part of the path has taken over 2 years to complete.
Spearheaded by Livable Buckhead, PATH400 is a paved thoroughfare that roughly follows GA400 through Buckhead. The path officially begins at Piedmont Road and Garson Drive, and will eventually extend north into Sandy Springs. Pedestrians and cyclists enjoy easy access to neighborhoods, schools, shopping, and restaurants, plus connections to MARTA, the Confluence Bridge, trails along Peachtree Creek, and upcoming connections to the Atlanta Beltline.
Engineering the flyover bridge was not the only challenge for the new path section. Tweaks from the original plan include higher railings on the bridge, and unplanned measures to protect a bat habitat. The bridge includes “off-ramps” for access to Mountain Way Common and other nearby nature trails.
The project team was on hand last week to inspect the progress in preparation for the grand opening. Livable Buckhead Director Denise Starling reports, “Nothing major came up, just that pesky water draining off the highway above us. The team is now polishing things up, installing signs, scrubbing concrete, and generally dressing her in her finest for her big debut.”
The new path section offers neighbors more than a place for recreation. Starling says, “The new section gives North Buckhead families a new way to get to school, by walking or biking! Our Livable Buckhead mobility team has partnered with Georgia Commute Options to launch a Walking School Bus for students at Sarah Smith’s Wieuca campus. If you’ve got a kiddo who qualifies, keep an eye out for sign-up info at the September 26th event.”
Speaking of the grand opening, Starling says to be on the lookout for, “face painting, bubbles, and…llamas. Because honestly, how do you open a trail without llamas?” There will not be alcohol provided during the event, but Starling doesn’t want you to worry, “Let’s just say if your “water bottle” seems extra festive, we’re not the party police.”
The 2.3-mile connection to the Sandy Springs pathway system was recently fully funded with an $18 million grant from Atlanta Regional Commission. The final section between Atlanta and Sandy Springs is still in the planning phase. At the moment, Starling says the project is “mostly geotech work and design tweaks to make sure everything works with the actual site conditions. Nothing flashy yet, but we’re laser-focused on the bigger prize.”
Starling offers a heads-up for neighbors in the path of the upcoming section, “Equipment noise will be increasing beginning Monday. We know this is last-minute news, and we’re sorry for the short notice, but we were just informed ourselves.”
Plans are also underway for improvements at Mountain Way Common and Loridans Park. Starling invites neighbors to “Join us on Thursday, August 28th at 6pm. Once those plans are finalized, we’ll start knocking projects off the list and putting that bond money to good use. YEEEHAW.”
We hope to see you on Friday, September 26th from 4 to 7pm for some fall festival fun along the new section of PATH400, and get your tickets now for Party on the Path at Eclipse De Luna on October 5.