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In light of swirling misinformation and confusion about the Brevard Road/US 64 Improvement project through Laurel Park and which businesses/properties will be affected, I spoke directly with all primary sources involved in the project, getting the real skinny.

Those sources would be the owner of Dixie Diner (the restaurant business), the owner of the property and building housing Dixie Diner, who also owns the Car Wash and Energy Mart gas station & convenience store, and the DOT Civil Engineer referred to me by DOT state, regional, and local offices, that’s working on the project.

Here’s What’s Up:

• The DOT has never had and does not have any plans to require demolition of any buildings.
• Proposed easements for drainage, construction, and utilities along US 64 will mean loss of Dixie Diner’s front parking lot and some land in front of both the Car Wash and Gas Station at the US 64/Brevard Rd/Daniel Dr intersection.
  • This should mean a permanent Dixie Diner front parking lot sinkhole fix. Finally.
  • Not sure if the Dixie Diner rear parking lot will be expanded.
  • Dixie Diner’s front door will be 25’ to 30’ from the new Sidewalk.
  • Energy Mart pumps have already been removed from the gas station, but underground tanks will remain in place for now. No word yet on whether pumps will be placed somewhere else on adjacent property with access to the tanks or not.
• The roundabout at US 64 and Daniel Drive will be raised about six feet from current road level. (Should be interesting)
• A new retaining wall will curve around the corner of the gas station closest to the Daniel Dr roundabout.
• Both sides of US 64 will have a 5’ wide Bike Lane AND a 5’ wide Sidewalk.
• Click on each image for larger PDF view. They’re large files so give them a sec to load.

NOTE: I believe this project has a 2028 estimated completion date. You know how construction goes. Changes and delays happen. Business and property owners can always change their mind and decide to put land or buildings to different uses. Just know the DOT is not taking any buildings as of now.