Westside ATL pedestrian improvements set for 2027 [Video]

ATLANTA — A $23-million investment in sidewalks and bike paths will make life safer in Westside Atlanta, where pedestrians often have to walk in the street, according to the community.

The Upper Westside Community Improvement District helped secure federal funding for the Westside Thrive project, an effort to provide safe walking and biking between Westside Reservoir Park and Georgia Tech.

Andrew Haney lives off of West Marietta Street. Walking in the area often means navigating narrow ruts masquerading as sidewalks. In some places, he and others are forced to walk on asphalt, where they mix with cars and big trucks.

“They’re huge,” said Haney. “The lanes aren’t quite big enough for them so if you have to walk in the street you really have to be careful. It’s dangerous.”

$16 million from the federal government, along with $7 million from the city of Atlanta, …