N.C. 540 Highway Project Faces Growing Legal Challenge
The push to complete the N.C. 540 highway project—a six-lane toll road planned to stretch across southern Wake County—is now under heightened pressure from environmental groups. Henson Fuerst currently represents several North Carolina landowners who find themselves negatively impacted by this project. A detailed article on challenges facing construction is available here.
Last June, the Federal Highway Administration approved the planned route of the N.C. 540 highway project. In the fall, the North Carolina State Board of Transportation approved a $314.5 million construction contract for an 8.6-mile stretch of new construction between I-40 and U.S. 401.
The Scope of the Project
Ultimately, the $2.24 billion highway would span 28 miles across southern Wake County—stretching from Knightdale to Holly Springs. Construction on the project could potentially start as soon as the end of 2019. Now, environmental groups are mounting a challenge to stop the project.
A Long-Standing Plan
In the early 1990s, the state began plans to finish an extension of the Triangle Expressway—a toll road from Holly Springs to Research Triangle Park they hope to open before January of 2024. The project has already received endorsements from chambers of commerce and local governments in Johnston and Wake counties. Advocates for the project—including the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Regional Transportation Alliance—call N.C. 540 the region’s foremost transportation priority.
A Growing Dispute
The Southern Environmental Law Center—which has already filed a number of federal claims against agencies issuing approvals—recently filed a petition on behalf of three environmental groups. The groups include Clean Air Carolina, Sound Rivers, and the Center for Biological Diversity.
Claiming the North Carolina Division of Water Resources has not demonstrated a public need for the highway, they object to a water quality permit issued by the agency. They also argue N.C. 540 will damage streams and destroy wetlands—as well as threaten two endangered freshwater mussel species. The group suggests the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has underestimated N.C. 540’s overall impact.
We’re on Your Side
If your land, home, or business is affected by any type of land condemnation; call Henson Fuerst at 866-821-3146 for a FREE CONSULTATION. An experienced eminent domain and land condemnation lawyer will speak with you and answer all of your questions. At Henson Fuerst, we will explain your options—and stand with you every step of the way in fighting to protect your rights to the fair and just compensation you may deserve.
When you call, you will speak with one of our experienced North Carolina eminent domain and land condemnation attorneys absolutely FREE. Attorneys David Henson and Anne Fisher are committed to protecting the rights of property owners facing Land Condemnation.
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