DeKalb County, City of Brookhaven and Emory University Announce Major Milestone for Peachtree Creek Greenway Connector Bridge

DeKalb County, the City of Brookhaven and Emory University today announced a major milestone in the development of the Peachtree Creek Greenway Connector Bridge following approval of an agreement that establishes the financial framework necessary to move the project into final design and construction.

The agreement represents years of collaboration among DeKalb County, the City of Brookhaven, Emory University, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the Brookhaven Development Authority, Peachtree Creek Greenway, Inc., Asbury Automotive Group and numerous community stakeholders committed to expanding regional connectivity and creating greater access to jobs, healthcare, recreation and economic opportunity throughout metro Atlanta.

“DeKalb County has long recognized the importance of investing in infrastructure that connects people to opportunity,” said DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “The Peachtree Creek Greenway Connector Bridge will provide an important connection to DeKalb County’s growing Trails and Greenways Network while expanding access to employment centers, healthcare services and recreational amenities. This partnership demonstrates what can be accomplished when local governments and institutions work together toward a shared vision.”

The Connector Bridge is one of several projects advancing DeKalb County's commitment to expanding multimodal transportation, strengthening regional connectivity and creating healthier, more vibrant communities. It also reflects the shared vision of public and private partners working together to improve mobility, expand transportation choices and enhance quality of life throughout the region.

The Peachtree Creek Greenway Connector Bridge will span Interstate 85, creating a direct pedestrian and bicycle connection between Emory University's Executive Park, the Peachtree Creek Greenway and DeKalb County's growing Trails and Greenways Network.

Once completed, the bridge will provide residents along the Buford Highway corridor and surrounding communities with safe, convenient access to employment centers, healthcare services, parks and recreational opportunities while strengthening regional mobility and connectivity.

The Connector Bridge will also serve as a critical link between the Peachtree Creek Greenway, DeKalb County's Trails and Greenways Network, PATH400 and the Atlanta Beltline, creating expanded transportation and recreation opportunities across metro Atlanta.

Funding for the project will come through a combination of private investment, economic development mechanisms and partner contributions established through the agreement, including $15.8 million from Emory University over the next 10 years. The agreement also ensures that no residential property taxes will be used to fund the design or construction of the Peachtree Creek Greenway Connector Bridge.

The project also builds on significant private-sector support. Easements necessary for the western bridge landing were donated by Asbury Automotive Group, while Emory University provided easements for the eastern bridge landing in 2019. Together, these contributions helped make the connection possible and demonstrate the shared commitment of public and private partners to expanding transportation, recreation, and economic opportunities throughout the region.

"Emory University appreciates our longstanding partnership with the City of Brookhaven in achieving its vision for thriving and connected communities. We look forward to continuing that partnership," said Robin Morey, Vice President, Campus Services, and Chief Planning Officer, Emory University.

“This project is the result of visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to partnership,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Park. “I want to thank Emory University, DeKalb County’s CEO Office, GDOT, Asbury Automotive Group, The Brookhaven Development Authority, Peachtree Creek Greenway, Inc., and the many stakeholders who have worked together to bring this vision closer to reality. Big projects like this only happen when organizations are willing to collaborate, invest in the future, and think beyond their individual boundaries. Together, we are creating infrastructure that will serve generations to come.”

“This investment reflects years of planning and strong partnerships with the ARC, GDOT, and our federal representatives who have relentlessly advanced this vision,” said Brookhaven Mayor Pro Tempore and District 4 Councilmember John Funny. “These partnerships across every sector are now delivering infrastructure that will serve generations. The PCG is not only improving mobility; it is driving economic opportunity in Brookhaven and enhancing quality of life across metro Atlanta.”

Final design of the Peachtree Creek Greenway Connector Bridge is expected to be completed in late 2027, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028.

About the Peachtree Creek Greenway

The Peachtree Creek Greenway is a multi-use trail system designed to connect neighborhoods, employment centers, transit, parks and regional trail networks throughout Brookhaven and DeKalb County. Upon completion, the Greenway will serve as a critical link between the Buford Highway corridor, PATH400, the South Fork Conservancy Trail System and the Atlanta Beltline, creating expanded transportation and recreation opportunities across metro Atlanta.

About the DeKalb County Trails and Greenways Network

DeKalb County is home to more than 59 miles of greenways, trails and paved paths that connect neighborhoods, employment centers, parks and commercial districts while providing healthy, active transportation options for residents and visitors. Originally developed more than 20 years ago, the County adopted an updated Trails and Greenways Master Plan to guide future investments and expand regional connectivity throughout DeKalb County.

About the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta Beltline comprises 22 miles of repurposed railroad corridors connecting 45 neighborhoods through trails, parks and greenspace. Together with PATH400, the Peachtree Creek Greenway and DeKalb County’s Trails and Greenways Network, the Connector Bridge will strengthen one of the region’s most significant interconnected trail systems.