Topic: Transforming the Chattahoochee RiverLands Study into Design (Trail Design – Planning and Engineering)

Speakers: Zack Lammers, PE Senior Transportation Engineer, Gresham Smith & Erin Thoresen, AICP Senior Transportation Planner, Gresham Smith

The Chattahoochee RiverLands Greenway Study is an ambitious, regional-scale project. It spans 100 miles, from Buford Dam to Chattahoochee Bend State Park, and involves seven counties and 19 cities. This project, funded by Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Cobb County, Trust for Public Land, and City of Atlanta, started as a vision for 125 miles of greenway trails, as well as blueways and park spaces across Metro Atlanta. The plan seeks to develop a safe and connective multimodal corridor; connect communities to public spaces that promote economic development, remediation and restoration; and provide an ecological refuge for the region.

During the Greenway Study, a conceptual Pilot Project was developed to test these ideas on the ground. The site consisted of Cobb-owned land along the Chattahoochee River and the concept represented the first step in the larger rollout of the Chattahoochee RiverLands. The concept included 2.4 miles of meandering multi-use and unpaved trails, boardwalks and bridges throughout the site and provided opportunities for rest and interaction, with educational and social nooks and overlooks. The pilot project helped demonstrate design strategies that will ultimately lead to a cohesive network of public trails.

Cobb County further developed the Pilot Project with preliminary engineering for a portion of the project – Chattahoochee River Trail Pedestrian Improvements Phase 1. During this phase, further lessons were learned. These also helped inform phase one of the RiverLands Design Guidelines, which were simultaneously being developed. This project has been let to construction and is anticipated to be under way in February 2023.

Topic: Firefly Bridge over Trail Creek (Public Engagement and Pedestrian Bridge)

Speakers: Nathan Currier and Eric Bosman Kimley-Horn and Associates

Is that structure historic or just old? Should we tear it down, repurpose it, or avoid it? Through this case study and candid discussion, we’ll examine the engagement and design processes that brought new life to old infrastructure.

A critical link in the Firefly Trail, a 39-mile rail trail project between Athens, GA to Union Point, GA, the Firefly Bridge over Trail Creek completes an existing gap at Dudley Park in Athens, GA. The new bridge replaces an old railroad trestle known as the REM “Murmur Trestle” 20+ years after the City purchased it from the railroad. This new pedestrian bridge gives a nod to the railroad history and cultural significance of the original “Murmur Trestle”, incorporating new steel arches and new timber trestle.

This session will include a review of engagement and design efforts which highlight the successes and challenges related to inclusion and engagement with the full spectrum of community voices and perspectives. Specifically including community discussions surrounding recognition of African American builders who constructed the original trestle. We will also discuss the challenges and successes in design and construction through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Topic: Atlanta Beltline

Speaker: Shaun Green Atlanta Beltline Initiative

“The Atlanta BeltLine, A Street Without Cars.”

The Atlanta BeltLine is the most comprehensive transportation and economic development effort ever undertaken in the City of Atlanta and among the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs currently underway in the United States. It is a sustainable redevelopment project that will ultimately connect 45 intown neighborhoods via a 22-mile loop of multi-use trails, modern streetcar, and parks – repurposing former freight railroad corridors that encircle Atlanta. When completed, it will provide first and last mile connectivity for regional transportation initiatives and provide a framework along which Atlanta can continue to develop for the next 50-100 years.

About the Speaker:

Shaun Green joined ABI in 2013 as Senior Transportation Engineer. His professional career has focused on urban, multi-modal transportation systems. Before joining ABI, Green spent ten years with the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) and worked as a consulting engineer prior to that. He is a graduate of the prestigious North Avenue Trade School here in Atlanta and has been a bicycle commuter since 1994. He plays beer-league ice-hockey, makes sawdust, does occasional band gigs as a drummer, and believes himself to be a lot funnier than he actually is. He and his wife have three daughters.