Georgia Department of Transportation is building a roundabout at Hog Mountain Road

GDOT PI #0016351 | SR 8/SR 53 @ Jackson Trail Road | Barrow County, Georgia
The Georgia Department of Transportation is replacing the SR 8/SR 53 intersection at Jackson Trail Road with a modern multi-lane roundabout. The project — assigned PI #0016351 — also includes a new box culvert over the perennial stream running through the area. Construction will close SR 53/Hog Mountain Road for approximately 3 months and Jackson Trail Road (east of SR 53) for up to 6 months, adding roughly 6 miles to detour routes through the Bethlehem corridor.
For neighbors and commuters, this is a road improvement. For property owners along the corridor, it's something more. DOT will need to acquire right-of-way from adjacent parcels — and that process comes with legal rights most owners don't know they have.
If DOT contacts you about acquiring your land or an easement, you are not required to accept their initial offer.Their appraisal is prepared to serve the project's budget. You have the right to an independent appraisal, to negotiate, and if necessary, to have a court determine fair value. In many cases, Georgia law also allows recovery of attorney's fees when the final award exceeds what DOT originally deposited — meaning representation can come at no net cost to you.
The key is timing. Once DOT files for condemnation, deadlines begin running and your options narrow. A conversation before you sign anything costs nothing and can make a significant difference in what you ultimately receive.
If your property is near this project corridor and you've heard from DOT — or expect to — contact Underwood Scoggins for a free consultation.
This post is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. | GDOT PI #0016351

The Georgia Department of Transportation Is Building a Roundabout at Hog Mountain Road — Here's What Property Owners Should Know