SR 81 widening

FAST FACTS

GDOT Project #: 0015089
Type: Reconstruction, Rehabilitation
Project Length: 3 miles
Affected Counties: Henry
Condemning Authority: Henry County
Estimated Affected Parcels: 110+
Estimated Cost: $44,763,473
Estimated Right-of-Way Funds: $10,470,000

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

Description

State Road 81, also called Highway 81, in McDonough is set to be widened between Lemon Street and Bethany Road. The plan is to expand travel from two lanes to a four-lane road with a 20-foot raised median in the middle and curb and gutter and sidewalks on both sides of the roadway.

The plan also calls for a typical section of the 3-mile stretch to include a 16-foot shoulder with curb and gutter with a 5-foot sidewalk on one side. The other side would have a 19-foot shoulder with curb and gutter, and a 10-foot wide shared-use path. A multi-lane roundabout is also proposed at the intersection of SR 81 and Postmaster Drive/Lakemont Drive.

These changes will require a significant amount of land to be taken, and will alter future traffic flow, dictating where left turns can be made. While the project aims to address safety and traffic congestion concerns, it could inconvenience drivers and devastate commercial property owners along the stretch.

Business and homeowner concerns

With the addition of two lanes, wide shoulders, a sidewalk, drainage, and a walking path, the SR 81 widening project will likely take a sizable bite out of properties along its path. An estimated 110+ parcels will be affected, with more than 40 being considered “high value.” Regardless of whether they are residential or commercial, each property owner stands to lose land and have the present and future usefulness and value of their property negatively affected.

In addition to the road, the noted drainage additions 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 the county comes to take your land, you still have rights. The government has allocated nearly $15 million to acquire the necessary right-of-way. Each property owner will receive an initial offer. Remember that the county wants to acquire your property as affordably as they can.

You have the constitutional right to fair compensation for the property being taken, and your land may be worth significantly more than the county’s 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.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

No news specific to this project found.

Project maps

Estimated project schedule

Right of Way Acquisition – 2023

Start Construction – 2025

End Construction – TBD

Affected parcels

An estimated 110+ parcels of property will be affected by the SR 81 widening project in Henry County. Many of those property owners may lose a significant portion of their properties, or a significant amount of its value. More than 40 of the affected parcels are considered high 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. On average, our clients get 3x the initial offer for their properties.¹

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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