MARTA’s first bus rapid transit line (BRT) connecting Downtown Atlanta to Summerhill, Peoplestown, and the Atlanta Beltline’s Southside Trail won’t open this year due to unexpected discoveries during the construction process.
According to MARTA, construction crews on the Rapid A-Line have been hampered by the discovery of old streetcar tracks buried under the roadway. Atlanta used to have extensive streetcar lines, but service was discontinued in the late 1940s as buses and cars became more prevalent.
But even more surprising was the discovery of a forgotten underground parking garage along Forsyth Street. MARTA officials said the garage area, which was earmarked for utility needs, wasn’t on any maps or blueprints.
Crews have been previously delayed by the discovery of shallow water lines that had to be replaced and buried to the correct depth.
In a statement, MARTA said construction has been paused on the South Downtown station at Mitchell Street and Forsyth Street because of the discoveries, while work continues on the other stations and the roadway.
“The Rapid A-Line will not be completed in 2025 as originally expected,” according to the statement from MARTA. “We are still working with our contractors, the City of Atlanta, and the Federal Transit Administration to determine a new estimated start for the first riders.”
The 5-mile loop of the BRT will have 14 stations and mostly run in a dedicated bus lane to avoid other vehicle traffic.
