McDonald Parkway Improvements Project

Fast Facts

NCDOT Project #: U-2307B
Type: Improvements
Project Length: 3.19 miles
Affected Counties: Catawba
Condemning Authority: NCDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 190+
Estimated Cost: $134,201,000
Right-of-Way Funds: $53,800,000

Yes, send me DOT project updates!

Description

The NCDOT proposes improvements to McDonald Parkway (29th Avenue NE) in Hickory to update the corridor to current NCDOT standards and improve east-west traffic capacity to meet transportation demand of existing and future growth. This project impacts McDonald Parkway from N. Center Street (NC 127) to Springs Road, and the improvements are intended to also reduce traffic congestion on roadways linking NC 127 and US 70.

The U-2307B project information posted on the NCDOT public input site for the November 19, 2024 public meeting on the McDonald Parkway Improvements Project (also referred to as the 29th Avenue NE Improvements – Hickory Project) proposes the following typical sections:

  • Along 29th Avenue NE / 24th Street NE includes four 11-foot travel lanes, a 23-foot raised median, a 5-foot sidewalk along the north side of the corridor and a 10-foot multi-use path along the south side of the corridor.
  • Along 16th Street NE includes two 12-foot travel lanes and a raised concrete median.
  • Along Springs Road includes four 12-foot travel lanes, a 12 to 29.5 foot raised median, a 5-foot sidewalk along the north and south side of the corridor.
  • Along North Center Street includes four 12-foot travel lanes, a center turn lane, and a 5-foot sidewalk along the north and south side of the corridor.

These improvements will, however, affect more than 190 property owners.

Business and Homeowner Concerns

Residential and commercial property owners along the project path should prepare for the NCDOT’s eventual offer and for modifications and interruptions that are sure to follow. There may be surveyors and right-of-way agents analyzing area properties at any time. And, depending on what the NCDOT needs, there is potential for both homeowners and businesses to suffer significant losses of property.

Homeowners may find traffic uncomfortably close, their entry/exit paths altered, their yards drastically reduced, or even having their homes no longer conform to the county’s setback standards. Commercial properties may lose valuable parking, have modified entry/exit, or may also suffer from non-conformance after the taking.

There may also be construction easements taken that are “temporary,” which may, in fact, last for years. Property owners should also be extremely vigilant for damage via inverse condemnation. Affected property owners should work to ensure they are compensated fairly.

What to Do if Your Property Is Affected

The NCDOT can take your land, but you can still protect your rights. The government will set aside significant funds for right-of-way acquisition over the course of this project, and then do its best not to spend it all. Property owners in the path of the project will receive offers, but if they accept that initial offer, they’re probably leaving money on the table.

You have the right to just compensation. The NCDOT’s initial offer is just the beginning – as long as you do not accept it. We can help you fight for more. Call 1-877-393-4990 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 if we take your case.

Project Maps


McDonald Parkway Improvements Project Map 1
McDonald Parkway Improvements Project Map 2

McDonald Parkway Improvemets Project Map 3

Estimated Project Schedule

Right of Way Acquisition – Fall 2026

Start Construction – Summer 2029

End Construction – TBD

Affected Parcels

It is still unclear how many properties and owners will be affected by the McDonald Parkway Improvements Project in Catawba County, but it is estimated that it will be more than 190 properties. The project will include a budget of $53.8 million for right-of-way takings.

Whether your property is residential or commercial in nature, 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 1-877-393-4990 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 NC who practice eminent domain exclusively, and even fewer with NCDOT experience. We have six. That’s why it’s worth getting in touch with us for 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 will give you our professional evaluation of your legal situation and recommend next steps. 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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