$44 Million Cumberland Sweep To Provide Safe Path To Attractions

SMYRNA, GA — A three-mile pedestrian pathway will one day link attractions like the Atlanta Braves’ home ballpark, The Battery Atlanta and other sites as part of a $44 million project that was unveiled last week.

The Cumberland Community Improvement District recently introduced the project, which officials call the Cumberland Sweep, which will, upon completion, provide safe and reliable transportation for pedestrians traveling along the corridor.

CID officials said in a news release last week that the Cumberland Sweep is a multimodal path for bicyclists and walkers and, according to plans, will one day include a tram to move visitors between several the biggest attractions.

In addition to Truist Park, the Braves’ 1.3 billion ballpark, the Cumberland Sweep will also connect people visiting the Cumberland Mall, the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area as well as other venues in the area.

“We envision the path being the future heartbeat of the community,” Kim Menefee, executive director of the Cumberland CID said in the release. “The Cumberland Sweep name emerged out of a detailed and planned process that engaged many stakeholders from commercial property owners, businesses, government officials, and residents. The name is reflective of its environment and welcoming to all.”

The CID said that the district includes 3,400 businesses that represent a $20 billion economic boost the area each year. A map of the Cumberland Sweep shows that the 3-mile look would envelop the intersection of I-75 and I-285. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported last week that that phase of the project will cost an estimated $25 million.

The intermodal path, which will be about 14 feet wide, is planned to run along Galleria Drive. The first segment of the project will be funded by a $6.4 million grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission and would connect a pedestrian crosswalk over I-285 and Akers Mill Road, the Journal-Constitution reported.

A design firm will be chosen for the project by year’s end and construction is slated to begin sometime in 2024 and at least one segment of the sweep will be complete by 2027, officials said.

“The Cumberland Sweep name embodies the very essence of this path,” John Shern, chairman, Cumberland CID Board of Directors said in the release. “The Sweep means movement and our goal is to move people more effectively and efficiently around the Cumberland area. This vital transportation resource will make our region more accessible connecting businesses, residents, and visitors to the best of what Cumberland has to offer.”