California Highway Expansion Projects
Last updated on March 7, 2025
While California’s highway expansion efforts aim to improve infrastructure, they often disrupt commercial properties and businesses statewide. Under state law, agencies like Caltrans can acquire land through eminent domain if the project serves public use, meets necessity criteria and offers fair compensation for affected property owners. Navigating this process without a lawyer risks undervalued offers and lost rights.
At Eminent Domain Law Center, we focus solely on cases like yours. Based in Newport Beach but serving all of California, we have spent years representing commercial property and business owners when state projects or current developments threaten their property rights. Our collaborative approach combines proven legal strategies with clear communication so you are informed and empowered at every step.
Current Highway Projects Impacting Commercial Properties
Current major initiatives reshaping California’s roads include:
- I-5 corridor enhancement (Sacramento County): This project adds lanes to reduce congestion near key commercial zones.
- I-405 upgrade (Orange County): This upgrade widens highways, affecting adjacent businesses and land.
- Highway 156 expansion (San Benito County): This expansion involves ongoing negotiations with property owners.
These projects often involve complex appraisals and tight deadlines. For example, Caltrans must prove necessity and fair compensation before acquiring land, but their initial offers may not reflect your property’s true value.
Your Rights As A Commercial Property Owner
As business and commercial property owners in California, you maintain specific rights when your property faces acquisition for highway expansion:
- The right to receive fair market value compensation for your property
- Compensation for business goodwill losses
- Coverage for reasonable relocation expenses
- The ability to challenge the government’s valuation
- The right to present evidence of your property’s highest and best use
While the process may appear straightforward, attempting to negotiate alone can leave critical funds on the table. Successfully securing full compensation requires a detailed understanding of California’s eminent domain law and proven litigation experience like ours.
Why Choose Eminent Domain Law Center?
Working with us, you can expect the following:
- Sole focus on eminent domain: Our attorneys specifically focus on eminent domain, inverse condemnation and regulatory takings.
- Proven collaboration: For nearly a decade, we have worked together with appraisers, engineers and agencies.
- No geographic limits: We serve clients statewide, offering remote consultations and in-person meetings in Newport Beach.
- Litigation experience: We are effective litigators, and our reputation often leads to government agencies choosing to settle in lieu of going to court.
Our attorneys believe your property’s future is too important to leave to chance. Learn how we can assist in your case.
Act Now To Protect Your Property
Highway projects move quickly – delaying action risks losing leverage. Call Eminent Domain Law Center through 949-208-1162 or reach out via email for a consultation that could secure your commercial property rights in California.