Alpharetta has  taken ownership of the final tract of land needed to complete Westside Parkway, a key thoroughfare used by thousands of north Fulton commuters each day.

At its regular meeting Monday night, the City Council voted unanimously to accept the deal negotiated with property owners along the proposed route north of Old Milton Parkway to Westside Parkway.

"The vote sets the stage for completing one of our community's most important goals," Mayor Arthur Letchas said. "The completion of Westside Parkway will provide a key north-south roadway that will ease traffic congestion during peak commute times."

The city anticipates it will send out requests for proposals by the end of the year, and a contractor should be selected the early part of 2012.