We need your help, Atlanta BeltLine users! Material testing for a 3-foot wide soft shoulder begins today, when about 100 feet of Flexi-Pave will be poured along the trail near Freedom Parkway. Flexi-Pave, a permeable material made of recycled rubber and small stones, has more give than concrete, but is sturdy and durable enough to hold up to foot traffic on the Eastside Trail. The testing will help inform the potential 3-foot wide soft shoulders that, if installed, will span either side of the trails providing an expanded walking and jogging surface alongside the 14-foot concrete trail. You can help – stay tuned for a trail user survey that will help inform a final decision on material testing.

The Flexi-Pave is one of three options for soft shoulder material. In the coming weeks, a variety of grass systems will also be tested, as well as a stone dust path. These test materials, once installed, will be in the ground for several weeks at least. Each alternative has a varying degree of cost and maintenance associated with it, so these variables will be weighed against user preferences when selecting a permanent material. Your input on the forthcoming survey will be useful in determining which surface material will give Atlanta BeltLine users the most value for the least expense over the long term.