US 278 Improvement

FAST FACTS

GDOT Project #: 0017454
Type: Median and Roundabout
Project Length: 0.9 miles
Affected Counties: Newton
Condemning Authority: GDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 15+
Estimated Cost: $14,691,677
Right-of-Way Funds: $3,289,000

Description

GDOT is planning to upgrade the median and perform intersection improvements along US 278 (County Road 12) between Turner Lake Road and Emory Street (State Route 81) in Newton County within the Covington city limits. The project will cover just under a mile.

The US 278 intersection with Turner Lake Road will become a signalized Reduced Conflict U-Turn (RCUT). GDOT proposes to add a raised multilane roundabout to realign the I-20 westbound ramps and improve flow. An additional raised multilane roundabout will replace the Emory Street intersection, and a raised median will be added in the existing two-way left turn lane.

Remember: before you agree to sell your land to GDOT, contact an eminent domain attorney to make sure you’re being treated fairly!

Property Owner Concerns

These types of improvements and intersection redesigns and cause many headaches for property owners, from “temporary” construction or permanent slope easements to strange traffic patterns and trouble with access. Current businesses, including restaurants (like the Chick-fil-A on the north side of the road) and smaller shopping centers, may face lengthy disruptions.

As with any eminent domain taking, property owners can lose some or all of their properties or may find that their rights to use their properties are usurped. Many may find themselves with a very low offer for land that could have a much more valuable use and, therefore, have a higher value than they believe.

In addition to the damages to the property overall, owners can suffer damage to the remaining land. Construction work may also interfere with properties, and “temporary” construction easements may last years. GDOT can cause harm by inverse condemnation by taking property or the right to use it without offering compensation as well. More than 15 parcels are affected by this project. If yours is one of them, call 1-888-391-1339 now.

What to Do if Your Property Is Affected

There’s still time to exercise your rights if you have not accepted GDOT’s initial offer. The government has allocated more than $3 million to compensate property owners, but it will try to buy your property for as little as possible. In many cases, the initial offer is often significantly lower than the value of what’s taken. You are not required to accept the government’s initial offer!

You have the right to fair compensation for property the government takes – even projects that claim to increase the value of surrounding property may ultimately do more harm to yours than good. “Fair” compensation could be significantly more than the first offer. Compensation for lost business income or expenses like relocation are almost never included in those offers. We can help you fight for them!

As long as you do not accept the initial offer, you can fight for more, and we can help. 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. 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

The Covington News

Project Maps

Estimated Project Schedule

Right of Way Acquisition – 2025

Start Construction – 2026

End Construction – TBD

Affected Parcels

The US 278 median and roundabout project in Newton County will affect an estimated 15 parcels of property. Property owners may lose significant amounts of land and/or property rights, representing significant financial value and usability. It is critical to understand that the government’s initial offer is just that – initial. We do not recommend you accept the initial offer.

Call us at 1-888-391-1339 or contact us online as soon as possible for a free case evaluation.

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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