SR 11 Widening

FAST FACTS

GDOT Project #: 122200
Type: Reconstruction, Rehabilitation
Project Length: 9 miles
Affected Counties: Union
Condemning Authority: GDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 245
Estimated Cost: $73,808,359
Right-of-Way Funds: $22,912,541

Description

Winding along just north of Nottely Lake, State Route 11 is set to be widened by GDOT. The section of SR 11 between SR 515 and SR 325 will be widened from two (and in some places three) lanes into four lanes. GDOT plans to install a median between the lanes with median openings and right turn lanes at selected locations.

Five intersections (Blue Ridge Street, Pat Haralson Memorial Drive, Pat Colwell Rd, Gumlog Rd, and Ivylog Rd) are being considered for roundabouts as well. The existing right-of-way along the route varies, but is up to 130ft wide. The renovation will include a right-of-way varying from 120ft to 300ft wide. It will cross two causeways and includes a bridge over Nottely Lake.

Business and Homeowner Concerns

This is a significant widening of the existing 9-mile length of SR 11, and the right-of-way could nearly triple in width in some places. That means GDOT must acquire significant strips of property along the project corridor. Home and business owners in the area need to pay special attention to the impact these takings may have.

Some parcels may be rendered non-conforming with county building guidelines, or may not support the owners’ future plans. Residential owners could face a dramatic increase in traffic noise. Commercial owners may find access limited, and parking slashed – or worse.

In addition to the road, GDOT will have to address drainage, which may mean easements are taken, and the construction process may cause damage to property owners via inverse condemnation.

What to Do if Your Property Is Affected

Even if GDOT needs your property, or a piece of it, you still have rights. The government has allocated nearly $23 million to acquire property for the project. If they have not already, property owners will receive an initial offer. Remember that GDOT wants to acquire your property as affordably as they can.

You have the constitutional right to fair compensation for what the government takes, and it may be worth significantly more than the initial offer, which never includes compensation for lost business income or relocation if you must do so. The initial offer is just the beginning – as long as you do not accept it. We can help you 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. 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

North Georgia News

Project Map

SR 81 Widening Map

Estimated Project Schedule

Right of Way Acquisition – 2025

Construction Begins – 2028

Construction Ends – TBD

Affected Parcels

An estimated 245 parcels of property will be affected by the SR 81 widening project in Union County. Property owners may lose significant amounts of land, representing significant value and usability. 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.

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