The dirt- March 2026 – volume 1 – issue 3

United Consulting recently received the Crystal Award at the 2026 ACEC Georgia Engineering Awards for its work on the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail Segment 4, which represents a meaningful milestone in a project that continues to bring communities closer together. United Consulting played a pivotal role in turning this vision into a reality, by helping create spaces where people can grow together. Our environmental expertise was not just part of the process, but a driving force in making this impact possible. We have also contributed to the development of other segments of the BeltLine and, as a result, have been recognized with additional awards across multiple BeltLine phases, demonstrating our commitment to the project and its continued success. United Consulting is deeply invested in Atlanta’s growth and has consistently demonstrated that commitment every step of the way. 

Our team was responsible for evaluating brownfield site conditions and summarizing historical reports; coordinating extensively with the EPD’s Brownfields Unit to secure approvals for remediation and amendments; conducting soil and groundwater sampling, identifying contaminants, and delineating impacted areas; assisting with the preparation of bid documents for remediation activities and overseeing corrective actions; developing and implementing engineering control measures, including a cap-and-cover system to safely contain impacts; and delivering documentation and close-out materials to achieve regulatory clearance. 

The Westside Trail Segment 4 stretches from Lena Street NW to near Law Street NW, running alongside Washington Park, one of Atlanta’s first planned Black suburbs. Now with its completion, Westside Trail stretches for 6.7 miles of paved pathway, linking Pittsburgh Yards in Southwest Atlanta to Huff Road in Blandtown.  

Atlanta is a city rich in history, vibrant culture, and diverse communities, and the Atlanta BeltLine has become an important part of that identity, helping bring people and neighborhoods closer together. More than a trail, it enhances mobility and connection while also playing a meaningful role in the ongoing effort to reconnect neighborhoods once separated by complex historical patterns.  

The Atlanta BeltLine is a continuous 22-mile loop path. It is a space where people share experiences, recreational activities, create and appreciate art, honor the stories of generations who have lived around it for years, and experience the city in a more connected and inclusive way, making Atlanta not just easier to move through, but stronger and more unified as a community. For this reason, it was essential to ensure that the BeltLine’s conditions remain optimal so that our communities can continue to stay healthy and safe while enjoying this path, as it connects 45 neighborhoods to many local businesses and public spaces.  

All these factors come together to create a unique and meaningful environment, highlighting why this trail is essential in helping to strengthen and support our communities.  

The Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail Segment 4 represents growth, human-centered design, and, of course, the embodiment of historic preservation. This would not have been possible without our collaboration as a subconsultant through Alta Planning + Design, Inc. (Civil -Prime) and the trust that the Atlanta BeltLine put in us. As a consultant we not only support your goals, “We’re here for you” to provide you with the highest level of service in our industry. 

Learn more by visiting our new website: www.unitedconsulting.com