US 321 ALT Improvements

FAST FACTS

NCDOT Project #: U-6034
Type: Roadway Improvements
Project Length: 1.33 miles
Affected Counties: Caldwell
Condemning Authority: NCDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 100
Estimated Total Cost: $ 46,300,000
Right-of-Way Funds: $16,000,000

Yes, send me DOT project updates!

Description

NCDOT project #U-6034 proposes to implement upgrades on US 321 Alternate in Granite Falls from Pinewood Road to Duke Street, including new turn lanes and realignment of Dudley Avenue.

The stated purpose of NCDOT Project #U-6034 is to improve traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety. The NCDOT also wants to improve downtown sight distance (the length of roadway a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist can clearly see the road ahead) and increase the safety of school crossings within the project limits.

Specific improvements being considered include:

Widening existing US 321 ALT to 3 lanes, to include two 11-foot travel lanes with curb and gutter and an 11-foot center turn lane (which should help reduce rear-end collisions, facilitate traffic flow, and provide additional room for emergency vehicles to navigate through town)
Constructing 6-foot sidewalks on the north side of US 321 ALT between Pinewood Road and Duke Street
Realigning Dudley Avenue to improve sight distance to allow for reconstruction of downtown parking for safer accessibility
Constructing connector road on new location to link Dudley Avenue to Lakeside Avenue
Improving intersections at Pinewood Road, Dry Ponds Road, Highland Avenue, Park Avenue and Lakeside Avenue

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 likely 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, but will 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 are 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 earn a fee unless we increase the government’s offer, and our fee only comes from the increased amount – this is our no-fee guarantee. The initial offer is entirely yours. 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.

News and Publications

Caldwell Journal: NCDOT Holds Public Meeting bout Proposed Improvements to US 321 ALT in Granite Falls

Project Maps

Estimated Project Schedule

Right of Way – Underway, expected to be completed by spring 2029
Construction – 2029 through 2033

Affected Parcels

It is estimated that 100 properties in Caldwell County will be impacted by NCDOT Project #U-6034 to upgrade US 321 ALT. The project will include a budget of $16,000,000 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.

1-877-393-4990

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