LEXINGTON, N.C. -- Speedy's BBQ in Lexington is known for serving up southern staples with a smile.
"I've been here 55 years," explained Owner Roy Dunn. "And I hope to make it another 25 or 50 years."
But Dunn worries his restaurant on Winston Road could soon be forced to move because of a NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) plan to widen the road.
"I've already had a bunch of sleepless nights over the last month," he said.
NCDOT is working on a proposal to add an extra lane and median to Winston Road in Lexington. The widening would go from 9th Street to Biesecker Road.
It's an $18 million project that DOT Engineer Pat Ivey says is necessary for the growing area.
"Congestion, traffic volume. Also safety concerns, accident data all of that is looked into when we make our decision on projects like this," Ivey said.
According to Ivey, widening the road would make it safer and cut down on traffic in the area.
Ivey confirms that under the plan several businesses like Speedy's, Smileys BBQ and Haye's Jewelers will be forced to move to another location or at least build a new building farther back on their property.
However, business owners like Dunn don't plan to go down without a fight.
"You just have to stand up for what you think is right and I don't think this is right," Dunn said.
It's why there's a petition started to fight against the road improvements. As of Thursday evening, it had more than 1600 signatures.
NCDOT will host a public comment session on April 26. The Department will provide more details on the plan at the meeting.