The Neighborhood CSX closes Hulsey Yard, but property future is uncertain

By Collin Kelley

Railroad giant CSX has closed Hulsey Yard, the 70-acre freight terminal that sits along a swath of property bordering DeKalb Avenue and adjacent to the Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, Inman Park and Reynoldstown.

According to a report in the Atlanta JounralConstitution, CSX is shifting its freight terminal operations to its facility near Fairburn. As Hulsey Yard has been emptied, speculation continues on whether CSX will sell the property and what it will mean for the Atlanta BeltLine and the neighborhoods.

Hulsey Yard has been a literal roadblock for the BeltLine since its conception. While routing foot and bike traffic through the Krog Street Tunnel has proved to be a workable solution, the longterm plan to put streetcars alongside the BeltLine trail calls for a permanent way to cross Hulsey Yard.

Neighborhood organizations and stakeholders have launched a fundraiser to pay Lord Aeck Sargent to create a master plan for the site should CSX choose to sell. A pop-up studio was held in May at the Lang Carson Community Center where residents had the opportunity to meet with Lord Aeck Sargent planners.

Find out more at hulseymasterplan.com.

Three one-way Midtown streets to revert back to two-way traffic

Getting around Midtown is about to become easier for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians as three one-way streets will revert back to two-way traffic, according to a report from Midtown Alliance.

Sections of 3rd, 4th and 13th Streets will be converted from one to two-way streets after plans received final approval from the City of Atlanta. The project, which is being funded by the Midtown Improvement District, is currently out for bid, and construction could begin by early summer.

The streets in question:

■ 3rd Street: Spring Street to West Peachtree Street and Peachtree Street to Juniper Street

■ 4th Street: Spring Street to Myrtle Street

■ 13th Street: Juniper Street to Piedmont Avenue

These three streets are among the last remaining east-west conversions in the district, and they are expected to improve the efficiency of the Midtown street grid on several fronts, including creating safer conditions for people walking. Opening them up to twoway traffic will also increase access to destinations, reduce vehicle speeds, and improve circulation by providing a more intuitive street network for drivers—particularly visitors.

Work for the conversions includes milling and resurfacing, striping, signals and, in some cases, hardscaping and curb work. In order to convert the roads to two-way motor traffic, two traffic signals will be installed at 3rd and 4th streets at Peachtree Street.