US 70/Glenwood Avenue Improvements

FAST FACTS

NCDOT Project #: U-5518
Type: Improvements
Project Length: 2.7 miles
Affected Counties: Durham, Wake
Condemning Authority: NCDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 90+
Estimated Cost: $337,507,000
Right-of-Way Funds: $153,207,000

Description

The NCDOT has restarted its project to transform about three miles of the highly utilized section of U.S. Highway 70 locally known as Glenwood Avenue, between T.W. Alexander Drive and I-540, including an interchange with Brier Creek Parkway. Multiple plans were considered, but it seems that the NCDOT has settled on a direction.

The road will likely become a freeway with controlled access and no direct driveways. The interchange at T.W. Alexander Drive may be removed in favor of a bridge with limited or no access to U.S. 70, and the I-540 interchange will be upgraded to an urban interchange system.

More than 90 parcels of property are set to be affected in a very busy corridor, and changes may have a dramatic impact on those properties as far as access, use, and especially value.

Business and Homeowner Concerns

The corridor is mostly occupied by commercial and business interests, and the potential loss of access to US 70 could be an existential threat to many. The NCDOT will need to acquire property along the corridor, and it could be much more than property owners think depending on the chosen interchange designs – especially around T.W. Alexander Drive.

Any residential owner affected by the project should be exceptionally vigilant. U.S. 70 is undergoing improvements throughout the state as it transforms into I-42 in some areas.

Businesses that rely on U.S. 70 for customers or for access will be most affected, though the new traffic flow will have consequences for all property owners along the corridor. There may also be construction easements taken that are “temporary” but may in fact last for years. Property owners should also be extremely vigilant for damage via inverse condemnation.

What to Do if Your Property Is Affected

The NCDOT can take your land, but not your rights. The government will set aside significant funds for right-of-way acquisition over the course of this project, and then do their 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. 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.

News and Publications

WUNC

WTVD

Project Maps

Estimated Project Schedule

Right of Way Acquisition – 2025

Start Construction – 2026

End Construction – 2030

Affected Parcels

It is still unclear how many properties and owners will be affected by the U.S. 70 improvements project in Durham and Wake Counties, but it is estimated that more than 90 parcels will be affected. The project will include a budget of more than $153 million for right-of-way takings, but that number may change as plans continue to be developed. It’s cold comfort for property owners in the path who have no choice but to sell some or all of it to the government. 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 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.

1-877-393-4990

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