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.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:31:33 GMT
You've probably been to a yard sale or two in your life, and you might have found some great deals. But would you know how to get the most out of your own yard sale?
You've probably been to a yard sale or two in your life, and you might have found some great deals. But would you know how to get the most out of your own yard sale? Good Day's Tacoma Perry talked to an expert who shared some great tips for how to make your yard sale a huge hit.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:27:37 GMT
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:37:15 GMT
You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person.
You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person. But Paul turned up the heat when he enlisted the help of two actresses from the new movie Operation Heat to play a little prank on his unsuspecting coworkers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:30 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:30:53 GMT
Does your summer road trip include mouth-watering stops at mom-and-pop eateries? Ours does, and it'll be even better with the help of a new Southern Living book!
Off the Eaten Path: Second Helpings is dedicated to finding the best meals in the south-- and it features some great restaurants right here in north Georgia. Good Day's Paul Milliken checked out two of those gems-- The Hil in Serenbe, and Weaver D's in Athens! As usual, he didn't leave hungry.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:17:14 GMT
The new season of Masterchef features a local contestant from the metro area! Jessie Lysiak is from Social Circle, and she's about to make her big debut on the hit FOX show.
The new season of Masterchef features a local contestant from the metro area! Jessie Lysiak is from Social Circle, and she's about to make her big debut on the hit FOX show. But first, she stopped by Good Day to cook us up one of her favorite recipes.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:56:24 GMT
Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap.
Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap. If you have more than one child who needs braces, you have quite an expense on your hands—but FOX 5 I-Team reporter Dana Fowle found some ways to make it a little more manageable.
This week's Good Day Casting Call is loaded with opportunities! Whether you're a jock, a hipster, or a funky-looking worker (WHAT?), there's a job on the big screen for you!
This week's Good Day Casting Call is loaded with opportunities! Whether you're a jock, a hipster, or a funky-looking worker (WHAT?), there's a job on the big screen for you!
Our own Katie Beasley is about to get hitched! She's finally finished planning her big day, and she did lots of it herself. She let us in on her DIY secrets on Good Day!
Our own Katie Beasley is about to get hitched! She's finally finished planning her big day, and she did lots of it herself. She let us in on her DIY secrets on Good Day!
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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