A bridge and park for the Gulch: Atlanta panel backs $2M planning grant

A $2 million federal planning grant would help design a pedestrian-and-bicycle bridge and park at Centennial Yards—not pay to build it. Atlanta’s Transportation Committee recommended accepting the grant in a 5–0 vote Oct. 14, according to draft minutes.⁠[1][2]

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s award factsheet describes a 2.34-acre bridge-and-park project in downtown Atlanta. The funded work would bring engineering design to 80% and cover NEPA environmental studies. Federal officials say elevated roads and highways in the Gulch severely limit walking and biking; the project is intended to improve access and create a gathering place for residents and downtown workers.⁠[2]

Ordinance 26-O-1559 would add the federal money to Atlanta’s fiscal 2027 grant budget and authorize an agreement with Centennial Yards Company for program-management assistance and a required local match of up to $500,000.⁠[1]

This is not a newly announced federal award: the ordinance dates that award to January 2025. The current decision concerns Atlanta’s acceptance and budgeting of the money. The committee recommendation is not final city approval; full Council consideration is listed for Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.⁠[1]

Even if the ordinance is adopted, the agreements it authorizes would have to be executed by all required parties before binding Atlanta. The records reviewed do not establish that those agreements have been executed.⁠[1]