FAQs
The Stitch is a proposed transformational investment that aims to create approximately 14 acres of new urban greenspace atop the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector. Here, we address some of the most common questions about the project.
The Stitch proposes to create a continuous bridge, or “cap”, over the Downtown Connector between the Piedmont Ave. /Baker Highland bridge and the Ted Turner Drive bridge. This will be comprised of several new bridge structures “filling in” the existing bridges in this extent, in effect turning this section of the Downtown Connector into a ¾ mile tunnel. On top of these bridges will be the park and transportation improvements that comprise the Stitch.
The extents of the new park created by the Stitch will roughly follow the retaining walls bounding the Downtown Connector today. Planned transportation improvements for streets intersecting the Stitch may extend for several blocks to make logical transitions or connections.
Finally, while the Stitch won’t have direct control over the privately-owned properties surrounding the infrastructure improvements, the project team hopes to influence the affordable-focused redevelopment of these properties through strategic policy initiatives and partnerships.
Construction of phase 1 of 3 is completely funded by around $170M in Federal grants and a $30 million match from local sources. Phases 2 and 3 of the Stitch are currently unfunded. The project team will seek additional funding sources for phases 2 and 3, such as other federal grants or philanthropic sources.
The cost for all sections of the Stitch is currently $713 million. This total will be updated periodically as the project design and engineering is refined over the next several years.
Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed in 2030. Completion of all phases of the project could be complete by 2036. Phase 2 construction is planned from 2030 to 2033, and Phase 3 construction is planned from 2033 to 2036. All construction dates are subject to change based on funding availability; Phases 2 and 3 are currently unfunded.