SR 515/SR 2/US 76 Roadway Reconstruction Project

FAST FACTS

GDOT Project #: P.I. 122900 / Project APD00-0056-02(029)
Type: Reconstruction/Rehabilitation – Road Widening
Project Length: 8.5 miles
Affected Counties: Union and Towns Counties
Condemning Authority: GDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 279
Estimated Cost: $161,397,775
Right-of-Way Funds: $40,170,000

Description

SR 515/US 76 is a 2-lane north-south roadway with intermittent passing lanes between Blairsville in Union County and Young Harris in Towns County. Traffic data information and crash data of the roadway demonstrate a need for capacity improvements to the corridor to address current and future deficiencies and reduce crash frequency and severity.

The proposed GDOT project (P.I. #122900) would widen and relocate SR 515/US 76 from CS 2898/Young Harris Street in Blairsville to CR 153/Timberline Drive north of Young Harris, and would be approximately 8.5 miles in length (7.25 miles of widening and 1.25 miles of bypass).

The construction would widen SR 515/US 76 to four lanes, two 12-foot lanes in each direction. A 32-foot grassed depressed median would be constructed along the proposed corridor, with the exception of the portion within Young Harris, where several alternatives are being considered. The proposed improvements include adding a parallel bridge over Brasstown Creek in addition to the existing bridge.

GDOT’s stated primary purpose of the proposed project is to increase roadway capacity and improve traffic operations. The project is also expected to enhance safety by providing a median that would control and protect travelers as they enter and exit the roadway.

The cost estimate breakdown for Project #122900 follows:

ACTIVITY	YEAR	COST ESTIMATE
Preliminary Engineering	1999	$ 3,981,588
Preliminary Engineering	2014	$ 3,070,000
Preliminary Engineering	2018	$ 8,834,753
Right of Way Acquisition	2017	$ 40,170,000
Utilities Relocation	2022	$ 1,871,874
Construction	2022	$103,469,540
TOTAL		$161,397,775

The improvements may accommodate increased traffic and reduced accidents, but property owners on the planned route should be aware of the changes being made and how their properties may be affected by both the process, construction, and resulting traffic patterns.

Business and Homeowner Concerns

As usual, property owners stand to lose some or all of their property when the government decides it’s needed for the public good. GDOT will make offers, but it’s important to remember that those offers may be low. Like any other buyer, GDOT wants to buy as affordably as possible, and it may not include things like relocation expenses or lost business income in the initial offer. You must fight for that compensation!

There may be drainage and utility easements taken with Project #122900, which can be very tricky from a property rights standpoint. In addition, there are also historic properties, streams and wetlands, and residences and businesses that may require context-sensitive solutions to minimize the impact of this project.

Your property may be significantly affected by these changes. Contact us if your property is in the path of the proposed widening of SR 515/US 76, and we can discuss your circumstances.

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 $40,170,000 for right-of-way acquisition for Project #122900, but there may be surrounding circumstances that could 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 – this is our “no fee guarantee.” The initial offer is entirely yours, regardless of what you do next or what we may be able to obtain. And, we front the costs of fighting your case. 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

Two Public Hearing Open House meetings were held on April 6^th, 2017 in Blairsville and Young Harris, and two Public Information Open House meetings were held on May 3^rd and May 5^th, 2017 in Blairsville and Young Harris.

Project Maps

Estimated Project Schedule

Right of Way Acquisition – to be completed by May 2022

Utilities – 2022

Start Construction – 2022

Affected Parcels

An estimated 279 parcels of property will be affected by this project. Impacted property owners may lose a portion of their properties, or a significant amount of their properties’ value. For homeowners and commercial property owners in the path of this 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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