Chamblee scores cash for Rail Trail extension through city’s heart

The latest win for Atlanta’s multi-use trail enthusiasts recently happened in Chamblee, a small ITP city with big urbanization ambitions.

The Atlanta Regional Commission has awarded Chamblee $80,000 to help design phase three of the popular Chamblee Rail Trail, which is planned to wend through the city’s blossoming commercial and residential district adjacent to MARTA.

Specifically, the ARC cash will fund the study of a trail extension to Ingersoll Rand Drive, plus an analysis of the trail’s interaction with the planned Peachtree Road Streetscape project, and the ongoing Town Center Master Plan process, officials said.

“This grant is incredibly meaningful for the [city],” Mayor Eric Clarkson said in a press release. “Our residents and visitors to Chamblee love the Rail Trail ... This is a great project that will one day connect to our neighbors to the north and south.”

Chamblee joined 10 other metro communities in receiving LCI funding—totaling $742,400—for studies meant to create more vibrant, walkable, connected places. When studies are completed, the same places will be eligible for ARC funding to build sidewalks and intersection improvements that would make the visions more viable.

The Chamblee trail project’s scope is seen below. The city’s existing Walmart is the white mass at left, while rechristened Peachtree Boulevard is the thoroughfare across the top:

ChableeGa.com

Meanwhile, here’s the possible future for areas surrounding a MARTA stormwater retention pond in Chamblee:

ChambleeGa.com

And the Restaurant Row vision, with the Clairmont Road overpass at right:

• Rail Trail Extension Study [City of Chamblee]