The city of Dunwoody has received a $500,000 state grant to fund the design of the Westside Connector that would create a connector road coming off I-285 west and going underneath Ashford-Dunwoody Road and eventually connecting with Perimeter Center Parkway.

The grant, provided through the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank, will enable the city to address traffic congestion for vehicles entering and leaving the Perimeter area while also supporting the state’s investment in the I-285 and Ga. 400 interchange designed to reduce highway traffic, according to a city press release.

The Westside Connector project includes multi-use paths for bicycle and pedestrian access connecting various commercial properties with the Dunwoody MARTA station.

The city also received a $47,000 grant for the North Peachtree Road Gateway beautification project. This project seeks to enhance landscaping at the interchange of North Peachtree and the I-285 westbound off ramp to help create a signature gateway. The money will be used for plant materials and installation.

“Because North Peachtree Road is one of the major access points within Dunwoody, we wanted to create a lasting and welcoming gateway and entry point to the city,” said Michael Smith, Public Works Director for the city of Dunwoody, in a statement. Improvements to the area will include planting of ornamental shrubs and grasses, storm water facility enhancements and a small rain garden to improve water drainage and quality.

The two grant proposals were made to and approved by the Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Council and the State Road and Tollway Authority Board.