I-85 Interchange at SR 42

Fast Facts

GDOT Project #: 0016054
Type: Reconstruction, Rehabilitation
Project Length: 1.29 miles
Affected Counties: Dekalb
Condemning Authority: GDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 38
Estimated Cost: $41,525,000
Right-of-Way Funds: $20,600,000

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

Description

Due to frequent crashes, GDOT is redesigning the interchange at I-85 and SR 42, also known as North Druid Hills Road. The plan is to add a displaced left turn interchange for south- and westbound travelers, additional structure, a braided ramp from I-85 northbound traffic to the access road, and to replace the bridge over Peachtree Creek.

The interchange may decrease crashes, but property owners in the planned route should be aware of the changes being made and how they will be affected by both the process and construction.

Business and homeowner concerns

Interstate exits can be feast or famine for property owners. On one hand, it increases traffic and noise a great deal. On the other, for commercial properties, it can offer opportunity. With this project, there are two ideas property owners should keep well in mind.

First, as usual, they stand to lose some or all of their property. GDOT will make offers, but it’s important to remember that those offers are probably low. Like any other buyer, GDOT wants to buy as affordably as possible. They will also not include things like relocation or lost business income in the initial offer. You must fight for that compensation!

Second, the Peachtree Creek bridge replacement will detour traffic up to 5 miles. That could cause inverse condemnation for some property owners. Contact us if your property is in the path of this project and we can discuss your circumstances.

Finally, there may be drainage and utility easements taken, which can be very tricky from a property rights standpoint.

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 $20.6 million for right-of-way acquisition for this project – but there are many surrounding circumstances that may complicate matters.

You have the right to fair compensation. Remember: the initial offer is just the beginning as long as you do not accept it. You can fight for more. Call 1-888-391-1339 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

Atlanta INtown Brookhaven wants pedestrian bridge included over I-85 and North Druid Hills Road

Project maps

Estimated project schedule

Right of Way Acquisition – Now

Start Construction – 2022

End Construction – 2023

Affected parcels

An estimated 38 parcels of property will be affected by redesign of the I-85 and SR 42 Interchange in Dekalb County. Those property owners may lose a significant portion of their properties, or a significant amount of their value. 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.

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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