The long-awaited Westside Trail of the BeltLine will finally break ground next Wednesday, and, of course, there’s a party to celebrate. The three-mile Westside Trail (not to be confused with the West End Trail) will run from Washington Park at Lena Avenue in the North to Adair Park at University Avenue in the South, connecting four schools, four parks, and the yet-to-be-finished BeltLine Urban Farm while adding 44 acres of greenspace for Atlantans to enjoy.

Like other BeltLine Trails, the Westside Trail will feature a wide pedestrian- and bike-friendly paved trail for your cycling, jogging, and walking enjoyment, as well as space for the future streetcar that will eventually run the entire loop. There will be 14 points of entry on the new trail, with 11 of those being ADA accessible) as well as ample lighting, security cameras, and mile markers.

The $43 million project is funded, in part, by an $18 million TIGER V grant secured earlier this year from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant put the Westside project and the associated 44 acres of greenspace two to three years ahead of schedule. The state and city funded an additional $15 million, and the BeltLine Partnership held a private capital campaign for the remainder of the funds. Connecting neighborhoods ain’t cheap, you guys.

Head to the intersection of the trail and Allene Avenue (between Catherine Street and the BeltLine Farm) at 10:30 a.m. on November 12 to join Mayor Reed, BeltLine officials, and trail enthusiasts from around the city in celebrating the expansion of our city’s favorite pedestrian trail. You can get to the party via by taking MARTA to the West End or Oakland City stations, walking along the BeltLine’s interim hiking trail, biking (you’ll need an all-terrain bike at this point), or by driving to 1076 Allene Avenue and finding street parking (last resort).

Isn’t progress exciting?