After two years on Atlanta's urban wish list, the Jackson Street Bridge is set for a people-friendly makeover. The celebrated selfie spot and urban vista point will soon offer pedestrians and cyclists upgraded amenities, with City Councilwoman Liliana Bakhtiari greenlighting funds to push the project into motion.

As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, the plans for the bridge include extra pedestrian space with seating, raised planters, and a protected cycle track that aims to connect the Freedom Parkway Trail with the Baker-Highland Trail. After waiting in the wings since 2022, Bakhtiari carved out $300,000 recently "to get it full financed", as part of the commitment to rejuvenate the iconic city structure.

The bridge, which has been a backdrop for countless Instagram posts, wedding photos, and even scenes of "The Walking Dead," is in line for a transformation that was originally proposed in 2014. The project's intentions are to boost safety and ambiance along Jackson Street by reorganizing traffic and enhancing bike lane configurations as part of the Department of City Planning’s Placemaking Program. However, the exact timeline for construction commencement and completion remains unknown, with Urbanize Atlanta confirming that responses were still pending from the City of Atlanta and Atlanta Department of Transportation inquiries at press time.

In an effort that saw its first green shoots with a $10,000 grant from the Colorado-based advocacy group PeopleForBikes back in 2019, the "miniature park" concept has faced its share of delays. Initially expected to be completed by the end of 2021, the bridge was stuck at a standstill without breaking ground. Thankfully, with the help of Renew Atlanta funds, the majority of the project costs are expected to be covered. Awaiting further updates, Atlantans can look forward to a bridge that will feature not only pedestrian-friendly enhancements but also ADA access, and possibly bike racks, according to city officials.

For Atlantans eager to see their skyline-spanning landmark turned into a more accessible and vibrant pedestrian hub, the wait might finally be reaching its end. With a confirmed financial boost and a bidding process underway to select a construction firm, the Jackson Street Bridge is on a path to become more than just a picturesque crossing—it's set to become an integral part of the city's commitment to urban walkability and cyclist safety.