Brookhaven's planned pedestrian bridge over Interstate 85 now has a complete funding picture: $15.8 million from Emory University, a $588,168 design grant from the Decide DeKalb Development Authority, and a planned $5.35 million supplemental grant the city intends to seek in late 2027 for construction costs.

The 14-foot-wide bridge will connect Emory University's Executive Park campus to the Peachtree Creek Greenway, spanning I-85 from Executive Park South to West Druid Hills Road. Pedestrians have one option today. The area's only existing crossing over I-85 is a 42-inch-wide sidewalk along the North Druid Hills Road interchange bridge.

"The PCG Connector pedestrian bridge will help overcome one of the most significant physical barriers in our community, creating a safer connection between Executive Park, Emory and the Peachtree Creek Greenway," Mayor John Park said when the Decide DeKalb board approved the design grant on Thursday, July 23.

The total project cost is estimated at $18 million to $24 million, according to Atlanta News First. City officials say no residential property taxes will fund the bridge's design or construction. Emory's $15.8 million contribution, structured as payments in lieu of taxes over 10 years, was approved by the Brookhaven City Council on Tuesday, July 14.

The design grant comes from the Briarcliff North Druid Hills Tax Allocation District and covers approximately 31 percent of eligible soft costs for the design phase. Design firm Michael Baker International is working with the city on the project, and because the bridge crosses a federal interstate, Brookhaven is coordinating closely with the Georgia Department of Transportation for authorization.

As we reported July 24, the Decide DeKalb board voted unanimously to approve the grant. The city's press release confirms the next steps: right-of-way acquisitions, easements, and environmental permitting are expected to wrap up in 2027, followed by final design and GDOT authorization.

The bridge will link Brookhaven's trail network to DeKalb County's broader Trails and Greenways Network, the Atlanta BeltLine, and PATH400. For residents along the Buford Highway corridor, it will provide pedestrian and bicycle access to employment centers, healthcare services, and parks on the other side of the interstate.

Required easements were donated by Emory in 2019 and more recently by Asbury Automotive Group, according to Urbanize Atlanta.

Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and finish in 2029. The city plans to return to the Decide DeKalb board in late 2027 with its supplemental funding request.