US 74 / Independence Blvd Improvements

Fast Facts

NCDOT Project #: U-2509 (AA, AB, AC, AD, EA, & EB)
Type: Widenings & Improvements
Project Length: 5.9 miles
Affected Counties: Mecklenburg
Condemning Authority: NCDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 160+
Estimated Cost: $358,561,000+
Right-of-Way Funds: $198,000,000+

Description

US 74 is a vital corridor that flows through the heart of Charlotte in Mecklenburg County. While the road changes names at various points, the section undergoing improvements is locally known as Independence Boulevard, south and east of Charlotte, connecting the city to Matthews township.

This ambitious project was originally considered in two phases but now includes more than a half dozen as the scope of the undertaking necessitated additional improvements to supplemental and parallel roads to avoid crippling traffic flow during the improvement of US 74 itself.

In all, more than six miles of roads will be affected by this multiphase project, including new roads, new interchanges, bridges, and improvements to US 74 and neighboring roads. Note that these phases may not be undertaken in this order:

U-2509 AA – Construction of an interchange at Village Lake Drive/Harris Boulevard, with a grade separation at Sharon Forest Drive (1.14 miles)

U-2509 AB – Construction of interchanges at Sardis Road North and Sam Newell Road, with extensions of Sardis Road North and Arequipa Drive resulting in a new connection from Sardis Road to Sam Newell Road to the northeast of US 74 (2.08 miles)

U-2509 AC – Construction of new road (Independence Pointe Parkway) from Windsor Square Drive to Matthews Township Parkway (NC 51) (0.77 miles)

U-2509 AD – Construction of an interchange at Matthews-Mint Hill Road and extension of Northeast Parkway from Overcash Drive to Waiting Street (0.9 miles)

U-2509 EA – Improvement to the intersection of Margaret Wallace Road (SR 3156) and Arequipa Drive (0.5 miles)

U-2509 EB – Construction of new road from Sardis Road to Sam Newell Road (SR 3474) southeast of US 74 (0.6 miles)

The primary Independence Boulevard Improvements will transform the road from its current 4- to 6-lane width to include extra lanes, express lanes, and faster-flowing interchanges. While those improvements are the focus, the secondary effects of new roads, interchanges, and intersections threaten many property owners outside the primary project path.

The secondary affected roads will see additional improvements as well, with some including bicycle and pedestrian facilities. To relieve traffic concerns during the construction along Independence Boulevard, the NCDOT has plans to tackle the supplemental roads first, meaning those property owners are the ones most immediately in danger of losing property.

A project of this magnitude will require massive land acquisition, which is currently underway.

Business and Homeowner Concerns

Residential and especially commercial landowners along the project path may see their properties shrink or be irrevocably altered to accommodate the additional roadway, new roads, right-of-way, interchanges, and alterations to access as required. Depending on what NCDOT needs, there is potential for landowners to suffer significant losses to this project.

Residential owners may find traffic uncomfortably close, their yards reduced, and may be in danger of having their homes rendered nonconforming. Businesses may lose vital parking, customer or logistical access, and may also suffer from non-conformance after the taking. Slope, drainage, and utility work could devour even more precious space. Even a modest taking could cause tremendous problems and result in significant loss of value or use.

There may also be construction easements taken that are “temporary,” but may last for years. Property owners should also be extremely vigilant for damage via inverse condemnation. And if your property is irrevocably damaged or taken entirely, you may be entitled to relocation expenses as well.

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

WNCN Charlotte

The Charlotte Observer

Project Maps

Estimated Project Schedule

Right of Way Acquisition – 2024

Start Construction – 2028

End Construction – TBD

Affected Parcels

It is still unclear how many properties and owners will be affected by the US 74 improvement project in Mecklenburg County, but it is estimated that more than 160 parcels will be affected. The project will include a budget of nearly $200 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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