SR 20 Widening Project (Tuck Road to Covington Street)

FAST FACTS

GDOT Project #: 0016387
Type: Road Widening
Project Length: 1.3 miles
Affected Counties: Walton
Condemning Authority: GDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 63
Estimated Cost: $23,350,977
Right-of-Way Funds: $4,323,902

Description

GDOT proposes to widen 1.3 miles of an existing two-lane section of SR 20 to four lanes with a raised median that varies between 20-ft to 24-ft. The proposed project would begin south of the existing intersection of Tuck Road and SR 20 and would end at the intersection of SR 20 and Covington Street. Tuck Road and Sharon Church Road will be realigned to intersect SR 20 with a multi-lane roundabout. Turn lanes will be added and access will be restricted along SR 20. Improvements will also be made at the intersection of SR 20 and US 78/SR 10.

GDOT states that the purpose of this road widening project is to improve traffic operations and reduce crashes along SR 20 in Walton County.

The project may improve traffic flow and increase safety, but property owners on the planned route should be aware of the changes being made and how their properties may be affected by the process, construction, and resulting traffic patterns.

Business and Homeowner Concerns

When GDOT decides your property is needed for the public good, you may lose some or all of your property. It will make you an offer, but it’s important to remember that the initial offer may be low. Like any other buyer, GDOT wants to buy as affordably as possible. It may not include things like relocation expenses or lost business income in the initial offer. You must fight for that compensation!

With this project, GDOT proposes to replace two existing culverts and possibly add retaining walls to avoid a sanitary sewer pump station and impacts to nearby properties. There may be drainage and utility easements taken also, which can be very tricky from a property rights standpoint.

Your property may be significantly affected by the changes associated with this road widening project. Contact us if your property is in the path of this 1.3 miles of SR 20 within Walton County, and we can discuss your circumstances.

How Can We Help You if Your Property Is Affected

Even though the government can condemn and take your property, the law of eminent domain requires that it provide you with just compensation (aka fair market value) if it does. GDOT has set aside an estimated $4,323,902 for right-of-way acquisitions for this project – these funds are for compensating property owners for the property that GDOT will take for completion of this project.

Remember: you do not have to accept GDOT’s initial offer. You can fight for more. Call 1-888-391-1339 or contact us as soon as possible for a free case evaluation.

At the GA Eminent Domain Law Firm, we are proud to offer clients our “no fee guarantee” – we only take an attorney’s fee² if we increase the government’s offer – and our fee only comes from the increased amount. The initial offer is entirely yours, regardless of what you do next or what we may be able to obtain. We also front the costs of fighting your case, such as work with surveyors and appraisers. And if we’re unable to increase the government’s offer to you, you won’t have to pay these costs. That is how confident we are that we can help you.

News and Publications

None at this time.

Project Maps

Estimated Project Schedule

Right of Way Acquisition – 2022

Utilities – 2024

Start Construction – 2024

Affected Parcels

An estimated 63 parcels of property be affected by the widening of SR 20 in Walton County. Those property owners may lose a portion of their properties, or a significant amount of their value. For homeowners and commercial property owners in the path of the project, we do not recommend that you accept GDOT’s initial offer without contacting an experienced eminent domain attorney first.

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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