Homeowners upset by potential plan for I-85

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Tuesday night residents in Cabarrus County met with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to talk about how the Interstate 85 widening project will affect them.

Residents have known about the project for a while but Tuesday was their first chance to see the design details.

Some residents said it was also their first time learning they could lose their homes.

"I hope to learn why they made such a ludicrous decision and how we can improve this decision," said land owner Bobbie Hudson.

NC DOT told residents about their preliminary design phase which widens more than 13 miles of I-85 from Davidson Highway past Kannapolis to the Highway 29/601 connector.

The project would be broken into two segments.

Tuesday's meeting was to let residents know about the first part of it. The proposed project would also add a new access road, which would split Hudson's property.

She told us she owns more than 200 acres of land, and is worried the new road could limit any potential opportunities for that land.

The state DOT says their plan is the best solution for the growing traffic problems in the area.

Jeanette Hyman owns 11 acres of land in the area and was told on Tuesday it could be gone.

She told Eyewitness News as long as she's receives proper compensation for her property, and the project eases traffic she's OK with it.

"I'm really not that concerned about it, I think it's going to benefit all of us." said Hymen

The DOT said home and property owners will get fair market value for their land and moving expenses. The state said they will also assist in finding replacement housing.

Many were surprised about the on and offramps to Dale Earnhardt Boulevard.

The new proposal would expand them about a quarter of a mile from where they are now.

The state says nine houses in the path of the project would be bought by the state but no businesses. However, entrances to Lowe's and area banks will be moved.

At the meeting residents also got the chance to submit written comments to the state.

The DOT told Eyewitness News each comment will be reviewed in January when they meet to talk about potential changes.

The project is in the preliminary design phase so none of the proposals are final.

WSOC