DeKalb County investing in new lighting, beautification along Interstates and roadways

DEKALB COUNTY, GA —Approximately 20 acres of I-20 and I-85 interchanges, including Chamblee Tucker and Flat Shoals Roads, have or will receive multi-million dollar facelifts. The interchanges and roadways are among the most highly traveled highways in DeKalb County, officials said.

“These enhanced gateways will create positive first impressions of our county for tens of thousands of travelers,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. “No matter where you enter or leave DeKalb—north, south, east or west—these beautified gateways will send a message that DeKalb County is a beautiful place to live, work and play.”

The Gateway Beautification Project is designed to increase community pride, attract new business investments and reduce crime, officials said.

According to research conducted by Eugenia C. South, faculty director for the Urban Health Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, litter and blight mitigation efforts, along with the planting of new grass and trees, resulted in a decrease in criminal activity in urban high-crime areas.

“The Candler Road interchange has been landscaped and will also benefit from the installation of new LED lighting,” CEO Thurmond said. “We are confident these investments will improve public safety and enhance the quality of life.”

Russell Landscape won the bid to design and install the projects which include new trees such as bald cypress, maples, crape myrtles and an array of flowering trees. Russell will also provide weekly maintenance.

Additionally, accent plants such as hydrangea, ornamental grass, holly, abelia and perennials are being planted in large masses with curves and undulations to create movement within the landscape that is easily viewed by travelers.

The Gateway Beautification Project is the crown jewel of the county’s eight-year blight eradication and beautification initiatives, totaling more than $20 million, which included:

• The demolition and abatement of nearly 700properties since 2017.
• Increased maintenance, mowing, tree trimming, herbicide, litter removal and curb bumping of county properties and rights-of-way.
• Worked with MARTA to clean up and beautify bus stops in the county. 

Crews from Russell Landscape install plants and sod as part of DeKalb County’s multimillion dollar Gateway Beautification Project.

A worker waters newly-laid sod, part of DeKalb County’s multimillion dollar Gateway Beautification Project.