It's been in the works for years, and soon streetcars will be coming back to the streets of Atlanta. Last week, construction began as crews started laying down the rail on several main roads.
The Atlanta Streetcar Project first started 10 years ago and finally, there's light at the end of the tunnel as construction begins, and more and more people are getting excited. The route will stretch from Centennial Olympic Park to the King Center.
Lynne Ridenour was visiting the city for the first time from the Augusta suburbs.
"We're here just to tour everything. We're going to go to the cemetery, the zoo, the aquarium -- walk around and see what there is to see," said Ridenour.
This time next year construction will be ending, and many of those sites will be connected with a modern streetcar transit system.
"It would be fun. I think it would be maybe easier to get around, and not just wander aimlessly," Ridenour said.
This month crews began laying the rail on Edgewood Avenue, bringing back streetcars to the city for the first time since 1949.
"We're even finding some of the old rail still underneath the street, so rail is returning to this area," said Tom Weyandt, senior transportation policy advisor for the city of Atlanta. "In not too long, they'll be paving it back over and you'll have rails in the street."
The first phase includes an east to west route connecting the King Center to Centennial Olympic Park.
"When completed, we fully expect that this will contribute significantly to the well-being of not only this community, but of the city of Atlanta," said Weyandt.
City planners hope the 12-stop line through the heart of the business, tourism and convention corridor will help bring sections of the city back to life.
"It will also be an economic revitalization to this part of town," Weyandt said. "Our expectation is that we may be developing streetcars for many years to come in Atlanta."
The streetcars will also connect MARTA's bus and rail systems, will run every 15 minutes, and will continue to expand in the future.
So even though it's not only for tourists, Ridenour sure is looking forward to her next visit.
The Atlanta Streetcar Project is a joint effort by the city, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and MARTA. Planners hope it will be completed by spring of next year. In the long term, the vision also expands north to south from Brookhaven to Fort McPherson and connecting to the Atlanta beltline.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and other city leaders hope to spur more investment along the streetcar project corridor. They announced tax incentives on Tuesday in hopes of spurring economic growth along Auburn and Edgewood avenues.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot!
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot! This week, Sweet Auburn BBQ joined us for Food Truck Friday, and they got the holiday weekend started right with wings.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill.
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill. Lucky for you, our friends from Pike Nurseries have a ton of ideas for how you can get your outdoor space ready for the holiday festivities.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:58:06 GMT
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far.
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far. Located just 150 miles from Atlanta, Providence Canyon may be the perfect summer day trip.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:12:38 GMT
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas.
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas. So, we're going retro to see what our Good Day crew looked like back in the day (and maybe embarrass them just a little)!
Friday, May 24 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:42:08 GMT
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose. The state of Georgia is trying to do something about the problem, so they've just launched an awareness campaign focused on education and prevention.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:55 AM EDT2013-05-14 09:55:03 GMT
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Thursday, May 2 2013 6:22 AM EDT2013-05-02 10:22:00 GMT
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, and help with congestion.
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, help with congestion, and are more cost efficient.
Thursday, April 25 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-04-25 10:44:36 GMT
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Wednesday, April 17 2013 6:13 AM EDT2013-04-17 10:13:56 GMT
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city.
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city. This past winter, Woodstock added the Ridgewalk Parkway exit to Interstate 575, and now a 370,000 square foot outlet mall plans to call the intersection home.
Friday, April 12 2013 6:23 AM EDT2013-04-12 10:23:43 GMT
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
Tuesday, April 9 2013 6:26 AM EDT2013-04-09 10:26:04 GMT
Last year, the Department of Driver Services made big changes to what documents you need to apply for, or renew, a license.
Last year, the Department of Driver Services made big changes to what documents you need to apply for, or renew, a license. Now, you have to show proof of identity, two proofs of residency, and your social security number.
More than 100,000 visitors will pack Atlanta each day for this weekend's Final Four, and even if you don't have a ticket, you still need to know how to get around.
More than 100,000 visitors will pack Atlanta each day for this weekend's Final Four, and even if you don't have a ticket, you still need to know how to get around.
Friday, March 29 2013 6:46 AM EDT2013-03-29 10:46:36 GMT
A group of teenagers from all around the state is working to help bring down the number of teen accidents and deaths. Last week, the Governor's Commission on Teen Driving made its pitch to lawmakers.
A group of teenagers from all around the state is working to help bring down the number of teen accidents and deaths. Last week, the Governor's Commission on Teen Driving made its pitch to lawmakers.
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