DeKalb County Gateway Project transforms key interstates: $20M+ enhancements designed to attract business investments, foster pride and welcome visitors

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County has unveiled a transformative beautification effort along its major gateways and interstates, bringing multimillion-dollar enhancements to some of the busiest roadways in metro Atlanta, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond announced today, Dec. 23. 

The Gateway Beautification Project revitalizes critical arteries spanning approximately 20 acres along I-20 and I-85, including Chamblee Tucker, Flat Shoals, and Candler Roads and have taken shape as DeKalb welcomes tens of thousands of people this week as the holiday season takes full effect. 

“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 welcoming place to live, work and play.” 

The initiative aims to foster community pride, attract business investments, and reduce crime. Research from Eugenia C. South, faculty director of the Urban Health Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, supports the effectiveness of such measures. Findings show that mitigating litter and blight, alongside planting grass and trees, can lead to decreased criminal activity in high-crime urban areas.

“We are confident these investments will improve public safety and enhance the quality of life,” CEO Thurmond said.

Russell Landscape won the bid to design and install the projects, which include pruning existing vegetation and planting new trees such as bald cypress, maples, crape myrtles and an array of flowering trees. Russell is also providing weekly maintenance.

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

LED streetlights also have been installed along the interstates, as part a partnership between DeKalb County and Georgia Department of Transportation.

“I thank GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry and GDOT for their partnership in this Gateway Beautification Project,” Thurmond said.

The Gateway Beautification Project is the crown jewel of the county’s eight-year blight eradication and beautification initiatives, which began in 2017 and totaled 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.

“We are confident these investments will improve public safety and enhance the quality of life,” CEO Thurmond said.