*Please Note: This project has been completed and litigation is no longer viable.

Like most highway construction or renovation projects, the upcoming Highway 64 bypass in Asheboro is a combination of promise and peril. The goal of the project is to ease congestion and make the area an effective intrastate traffic corridor, though the people living near this massive project might end up paying most of the costs, and that’s not limited to the project’s $355 million price tag.

Principle construction is scheduled to end in September 2020. But the thorny legal issues that eminent domain property seizures often involve might take much longer to resolve.

Asheboro Bypass Overview

Engineers plan to widen U.S. 64 and remove a bridge that is described as being “functionally obsolete” while rebuilding the interchange and relocating Lewallen Road in order to improve traffic flow.

The goal of the project is to improve traffic through Asheboro and hopefully revive stagnant population growth in Randolph County. They are also hoping to improve access to businesses in Asheboro and draw more visitors to the North Carolina Zoo. 

Potential Problems with the Asheboro Bypass

The highway bypass might make things easier for commuters and visitors, but it will make things much harder on many Randolph County residents.

First, there are direct effects, in that many homes and businesses front Highway 64, and NCDOT plans to remove them to make room for the new highway. 

It’s also important to factor in the indirect effects as well, mostly in terms of redirected traffic. Emergency services are a good example. Currently, first responders have easy access to most area homes and businesses, thanks to left-turn lanes and numerous on/off ramps. New traffic patterns could cause critical delays in emergencies where seconds count.

Eminent Domain in Asheboro

Under current law, it’s usually impossible for property owners to halt condemnation proceedings once NCDOT, or any other government agency, is determined to move forward. However, property owners still have a strong voice in the process, mostly regarding the amount of compensation they receive under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

If NCDOT wants to bulldoze your property, the agency must pay the current fair market value including the fair market value for the property’s highest and best use (HBU). While government agencies have appraisers come out to assess the property, they often offer low amounts that don’t reflect the value of your property, which is why a Raleigh area eminent domain attorney who will fight on your behalf is essential to getting your fair compensation.  

Eminent Domain Resources for Landowners

During the planning stage of new projects, NCDOT does strive to minimize the amount of homes and businesses affected. Because the U.S. 64 project is so expansive, there will be a large population displaced, but for those people, NCDOT not only is liable for fair market value, they do offer relocation assistance.

Assistance can take a variety of forms, including paying rent, moving costs, and storage fees. When you work with an attorney experienced in eminent domain cases, they will help you determine what types of assistance you can receive.

Contact Our Eminent Domain Attorneys in Raleigh for a Consultation!

If your property lies on or near the land needed to build or reroute the U.S. 64 Asheboro bypass, NCDOT may acquire it using eminent domain. If you are contacted by a Right of Way agent regarding this project in Randolph County, call our eminent domain attorneys immediately at (919) 615-2473 or complete the form below. We will guide you through the process and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your time, property, and any other associated costs.

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