U.S. 64 Improvements

FAST FACTS

NCDOT Project #: U-5301
Type: Road widening
Project Length: 3.2
Affected Counties: Wake
Condemning Authority: NCDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 130
Estimated Cost: $199.7 million
Right-of-Way Funds: $67.2 million

Description

Apex, Cary, and the surrounding Wake County area have recently experienced a significant amount of growth, so much that increasing traffic volume is causing significant congestion and safety concerns along U.S. 64. This highway currently carries an average of between 40,000 to 56,000 vehicles per day.

Data taken from 2012 to 2016 indicates that the number of crashes in the area is nearly twice the state average. Traffic is expected to continue to increase by 40% through 2040, leading to even greater problems if left unchecked.

The NCDOT is exploring ways to address these problems, including a proposal to widen U.S. 64 to a six-lane highway from Laura Duncan Rd. to U.S. 1 in Apex and Cary. However, this means that property owners in the path of construction may have some or all of their land taken through the government’s power of eminent domain.

If this means you, then you should know that you have rights. You probably can’t fight the taking, but you’re entitled to fair compensation. However, the government’s initial offer may not come anywhere close to what your land is actually worth. You don’t have to accept the initial offer – nor should you in most cases. You can fight for what your property’s really worth, and an experienced eminent domain attorney can help.

Business and Homeowner Concerns

The government’s primary concern in this public works project is the safety of motorists on U.S. 64. Unfortunately, they aren’t concerned about whether you want to give up your business or residential property to make this happen. It doesn’t matter if it’s your home or a profitable company – if the government wants it, then they will almost certainly take it, but only if they offer you fair compensation.

But what the government considers “fair” may not be fair for you. The government wants to acquire your property for the least amount of money possible, and they may overlook important features of your land that could increase what they should have to pay. They also may fail to include important considerations such as all your relocation expenses, or underestimate the financial impact of easements on your land.

What this means is that you could lose your land or lose more land than you thought you might, and then receive an offer that doesn’t even begin to cover your financial loss. You’re not obligated to accept the government’s initial offer.

What to Do if Your Property Is Affected

The NCDOT has set aside an estimated $67.2 million for right-of-way acquisition in July 2025 for this project. However, to try to receive an offer for what your land is really worth, you should seek the help of an experienced eminent domain attorney.

Contact us at 1-877-393-4990 or visit us online for a free case evaluation.

We have four former NCDOT attorneys on our team, so our inside knowledge of the agency’s procedures gives us insight into the best ways to try and help you maximize your compensation from them.

We’ll help you:

  • Understand your rights and the important details of your unique case
  • Search for all the opportunities that might exist to increase your compensation
  • Help you navigate the complex eminent domain process (or navigate it on your behalf)
  • Try to avoid getting taken advantage of

We operate on a contingency basis, which means we do not touch the government’s initial offer amount to you – that’s yours to keep no matter what. We’ll only collect an attorney’s fee if we can increase your initial offer amount, and our fee consists of a percentage of the increased amount only.

We also advance the costs of fighting your case. If we can’t increase the government’s initial offer, then we’ll pay these costs so you don’t have to. One of the reasons we’re so confident is because we triple our clients’ initial offers on average.1

News and Publications

Picture U.S. 64 In Cary and Apex as part freeway, part superstreet’” – Raleigh News & Observer

Project Maps

U.S. 64 Improvements Map

Estimated Project Schedule

Preliminary Engineering – 2019
Right of Way – July 2025
Utilities – 2026
Construction – 2029

Affected Parcels

An estimated 130 parcels of property will be affected by the U.S. 64 Upgrades project in Apex and Cary to relieve congestion and increase safety. If your land is in the area, it may be taken by the government.

If you’ve received notice that your land is being taken, or even if you’re not sure but you’re concerned about it, contact us. Remember: the 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 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 several. That’s why its 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 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.

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