Take MARTA Survey: People, Transit and Irwin Street
Planned BeltLine stop for the Atlanta Streetcar near North Highland Avenue north of Irwin Street.
Do you want to live in a city that puts people first — prioritizing safe streets and making it possible to walk, cycle, roll, or scoot more often?
You may have noticed MARTA, Atlanta BeltLine Inc., and the City of Atlanta took an exciting step toward BeltLine rail today. The week-long trial closure of Irwin Street at the BeltLine at a key transition point along the Streetcar East Extension from the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic site to Ponce City Market (PCM) started.
A bit of background: Trains moving from Auburn Avenue will make a sweeping “S” turn that takes them a short distance east on Irwin from Studioplex toward Krog Street Market, then north onto the BeltLine. The same will happen in the opposite direction for trains leaving PCM headed toward Old Fourth Ward, the MLK historic site, Sweet Auburn, and downtown, where they connect to MARTA heavy rail at Peachtree Center.
There’s always doubt in an already traffic-bound city when the idea of closing a road is being evaluated. That’s natural and understandable. Skeptics find it hard to believe people actually want out of their cars. With your input, MARTA will be able to address a variety of public concerns and create the optimal BeltLine experience for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, business owners, residents and tourists alike.
So … what can I do to help? If you can, get out and experience this car-free stretch of Irwin Street. Enjoy some fresh air, and maybe a snack or a beverage. Then take the survey.
Please tell MARTA that Atlanta needs more of these safe spaces. Tell MARTA your thoughts on making this temporary closure permanent. The City is looking for ways to get people out of their cars and increase transit ridership.
And please forward MARTA’s survey to other Atlanta transit supporters. We all need to provide positive feedback!
We’re excited MARTA, ABI and the City are testing this possible solution and hope it will lead to more conversation about where else we can create more pedestrian-friendly environments. Stay tuned to BRN for additional details on getting the streetcar out of traffic AND other fixes that will make it and its BeltLine extension successful projects.
Irwin Street Trial Closure Nov. 7 - 13 at the BeltLine and alternate routes.
