I-285 at I-20 West Side Interchange

Fast Facts

GDOT Project #: 0013918
Type: Reconstruction, Rehabilitation
Project Length: 8.0 miles
Affected Counties: Cobb, Fulton
Condemning Authority: GDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 130+
Estimated Cost: $971,219,515
Right-of-Way Funds: $14,600,000

A map of Georgia, USA showing the main highways and interstate roads.

Description

Whenever GDOT reconstructs an interstate, especially in the traffic heavy Atlanta area, there are consequences. This time, GDOT is removing left-hand exits, and constructing two-lane ramps within the interchange itself. The plan is to add a westbound collector – more road – from the interchange at Fulton Industrial Boulevard.

Meanwhile, additional lanes will be added on both I-285 and I-20. More capacity will be added along I-20 eastbound between Factory Shoals Road East and Hamilton E. Holmes Drive. On I-285, the new capacity will run from MLK Drive North to Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. The project will also modify the bridges within the interchange and along I-20.

Business and homeowner concerns

To understand the scope of work involved in this project, look no further than the budget, which nears the billion-dollar mark. While travelers can expect delays, property owners are faced with losing even more ground to the growing transportation artery, pushing them ever closer to the noise and danger of interstate traffic.

More than one hundred parcels will be affected by the project, and nearly a quarter of them stand to lose significant property to GDOT’s plans. Even the smallest taking could render a property unlivable or in violation of county building codes and regulations.

Finally, there may be drainage and utility easements taken, and damage to property owners via inverse condemnation.

What to do if your property is affected

Even though the government can take your land, you still have rights. GDOT has set aside an estimated $14.6 million for right-of-way acquisition – but they won’t necessarily spend it all unless they have to.

You have the right to fair compensation. The initial offer is just the beginning – as long as you do not accept it. You can fight for more. Call 1-888-534-5902 or contact us as soon as possible for a complimentary case evaluation.

We do not take an attorney’s fee unless we increase the government’s offer, and our fee only comes from the increased amount – our no fee guarantee.² The initial offer is entirely yours regardless of what you do next or what we may be able to obtain. Further, we front the costs of fighting your case and if we’re unable to increase the government’s offer to you, you don’t pay them. We do. That is how confident we are that we can assist you.

News and publications

Home Rule News GDOT moving forward with interchange development

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Metro Atlanta, get ready for a decade of road construction

The Neighbor GDOT signs off on I-285/I-20 improvements

Project maps

Roll Plot – Sheet 1

Roll Plot – Sheet 2

Roll Plot – Sheet 3

Roll Plat – Sheet 4

Roll Plat – Sheet 5

Estimated project schedule

Right of Way Acquisition – 2023 – 2025

Start Construction – 2025

End Construction – TBD

Affected parcels

An estimated 130+ parcels of property will be affected by the modification of the I-285/I-20 West Side Interchange in Cobb and Fulton Counties. About a quarter of those property owners may lose a significant portion of their properties, or a significant amount of its value. As of May of 2023, the proposed project does anticipate the need to displace (i.e., purchase the full parcel) one business and three residences.

For homeowners and commercial property owners in the path of the project, it is critical to understand that the government’s initial offer is just that – initial. We do not recommend you accept the initial offer. On average, our clients get 3x the initial offer for their properties.¹

Get a free case
evaluation today.

There are only a handful of attorneys in GA who practice eminent domain exclusively. And even fewer with DOT experience. That’s why it’s always worth it to get a free case evaluation.

Here’s how it works:

1) Tell us about your situation.

2) We research your property as needed, using DOT maps, our own technology, and experience to see the exact effects.

3) We let you know what we think a fair offer would be. This evaluation is free, and there’s no
pressure or obligation to hire us after.

But please don’t wait to act. Waiting can hurt your case, and the cost is the same: free.

1-888-391-1339

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