ATLANTA — Officials are preparing to work on Phase 1 of The Stitch project over the downtown connector in Atlanta.

The Stitch project is aiming to physically and economically reconnect parts of the city that was divided by the construction of the Downtown Connector decades ago.

Officials say the project will transform the connector into a tunnel that is similar to other locations across Atlanta.

“Georgia 400 at the Atlanta Financial Center right in Buckhead, that’s a tunnel and has ventilation fans,” CEO of the Stitch Inc. Jack Cebe said.

Cebe previously said the project represents a transformative moment for the city.

“Phase 1 of the Stitch will construct a new approximately 450-foot bridge structure over I-75/I-85, also known as the Downtown Connector, to reconnect a portion of downtown Atlanta, by creating publicly accessible parks, plazas, and pedestrian pathways between the existing Peachtree Street and Courtland Street Bridges,” according to officials.

Officials say it will be similar to the tunnel under the fifth runway on I-285 at Hartsfield Jackson-Atlanta International Airport.

Officials say the first cap on the connector is expected to be from Peachtree Street to Courtland.

The project previously was approved for $157 million in federal funds which Cebe previously said is “critical.” However, after the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025, Cebe said the project lost grant funding.

Officials are still looking to secure funding.

“As soon as late 2027, starting with some of the street improvements around walkability and safety,” Cebe said.

Developers of The Stitch say there will be signs of the massive project in late 2027.

WSB Radio’s Lisa Nicholas contributed to this story.