Right of Way
Go to the Maps & Features section and click on the EOP/ROW button on the map to see Right Of Way boundaries.
The footprint of the Ohio River Bridges Project crosses nearly 300 privately or commercially owned pieces of land. In some cases only part of a property will be acquired, in others the entire property will be taken. Not all land will be purchased before construction begins because construction occurs in phases. Property acquisition may also be limited by the states' budgets.
Community Transportation Solutions (CTS), the General Engineering Consultant for the project, has developed a Right-of-Way (ROW) Strategic Plan to guide property acquisition for the Kentucky approach to the East End Bridge and the Louisville approach to the Downtown Bridge. This plan prioritizes land acquisition based on cost and construction timetables for the areas. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will consider the recommendations from CTS throughout the entire right-of-way phase.
The ROW plan for downtown Louisville is completed. A preliminary ROW plan is finished for the East End. Once all plans are finalized, the KYTC and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) must approve the plans before right-of-way activities can proceed.
Land acquisition for the two Indiana approach areas in Jeffersonville and Utica will be handled by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). INDOT officials are developing right-of-way plans for these sections based on established Indiana procedures.
The first appraisals and property offers for right-of-way in both states are expected in 2009.
How many homes and businesses will be impacted?
Right-of-way plans are subject to change. Current plans call for the following:
- Kennedy Interchange (Spaghetti Junction)
This section contains approximately 105 parcels: 1 residential and 30 business relocations
- Downtown Indiana Approach
The exact number of land parcels in this section will be determined as plan development proceeds
- East End Kentucky Approach
This section includes approximately 99 residential properties, 38 of which will require relocation. The other 61 require partial land acquisition.
- East End Indiana Approach
15-20 residential and 2 business relocations are included in the preliminary estimates
What is the cost of purchasing all of those properties?
The cost of purchasing properties in Downtown Louisville and Eastern Jefferson County is estimated at $92.7 million. In Indiana, approximately $73.9 million is estimated for right-of-way in Jeffersonville and Utica. These estimates are based on the Initial Financial Plan. They will be revised based on actual appraisals and purchases.
When will the purchase of parcels begin?
With the current funding, it is expected that some ROW acquisitions will be initiated soon. How long that takes is dependent on continued funding and negotiations with property owners. Once started, the right-of-way process will take several years. Public meetings will be held to outline the right-of-way plans. Some property owners might be approached starting this year while others may not be contacted until as late as 2011. After specific acquisitions have been authorized, residential property owners will be contacted by an appraiser. Those owning a business, farm or non-profit organization may first be contacted by a relocation assistance agent.
How will compensation be determined?
An independent state certified appraiser will be assigned to assess the fair market value of each property, regardless of its intended use. Thus, each property will be appraised as if the transportation project did not affect the area. Each owner will be offered the opportunity to accompany the appraiser during the site evaluation. Once an appraisal is approved, an offer will be prepared for the property owner. All right-of-way acquisitions will be purchased in accordance with federal laws and regulations.
How will the offer be made?
A buyer will meet with the property owner to explain the acquisition process and present a written offer to purchase the property. Owners will be paid approximately four to six weeks after accepting the state's offer.
What about relocation costs?
Both KYTC and INDOT have policies that allow for relocation costs for residents and businesses. These amounts vary based on the individual property owners qualifying needs.
Where can I find more information?
For questions or information regarding right-of-way, click here to Contact Us.