SR 5 Widening

FAST FACTS

GDOT Project #: 621340
Type: Reconstruction, Rehabilitation
Project Length: 8.3 miles
Affected Counties: Union
Condemning Authority: Fannin
Estimated Affected Parcels: 266
Estimated Cost: $31,184,000
Right-of-Way Funds: $15,056,000

Description

The southern segment of the SR 5 road widening project is getting underway in Fannin County. As part of a two-pronged project that will eventually widen SR 5 and offer a bypass around McCaysville, this portion will see SR 5 widened from Blue Ridge north approximately 8.3 miles to near Old Flowers Road.

The current two-lane roadway will be replaced by a four-lane roadway with a center turning lane. Specifically, the current 12-foot lanes would be converted to 12-foot outer and 11-foot inner lanes, with a 14-foot central turn lane. Outside shoulders would be made 10 feet wide, including 6.5 feet of paved shoulder and a 4.2-foot bike lane. Bridge culverts along Sugar Creek and Little Sugar Creek will be extended.

Note that GDOT split this project into three separate projects – 0017038, 0017039, and 0017040. The first was underway in 2021, and the last two were in the right of way acquisition phase, which is scheduled to conclude in 2023.

Business and Homeowner Concerns

Nearly tripling the width of a road that serves as an artery for area traffic will cause headaches for drivers and may cause heartache for property owners along the project corridor. The additional land will be taken as needed by GDOT, and even more may be subject to easement agreements.

That means business, commercial and residential property owners may lose more than just a piece of land. They may lose the ability to use their land as they want while still being responsible for taxes and upkeep. Buildings, homes, and businesses may no longer conform to county regulations. Temporary and permanent easements for things like construction, drainage, and possibly utilities may interrupt their ownership rights for years – or forever.

What to Do if Your Property Is Affected

If your property is affected by the SR 5 widening project, your rights guaranteed by the state constitution. The government may take your land, but it must compensate you fairly for what it takes. GDOT will make an initial offer, but that is only 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. 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

WDUN

FYN

City of Blue Ridge

Project Maps

SR 5 Map 1

SR 5 Map 2

SR 5 Map 3

SR 5 Map 4

Estimated Project Schedule

Right of Way Acquisition – current

Construction Begins – 2023

Construction Ends – TBD

Affected Parcels

An estimated 266 parcels of property will be affected by the SR 5 widening project in Fannin County. All of them may face significant loss of value, and some may lose significant amounts of their land. 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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