Guides
Public infrastructure projects rely heavily on securing Right of Way (ROW), as it involves obtaining the legal rights to use land for constructing the infrastructure. Before starting a large-scale infrastructure project, the ROW staff in the public agency must research property ownership, compile title reports, appraise properties, and negotiate with landowners.
In the U.S., the ROW is governed by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, which ensures fair treatment for those affected. ROW specialists must have expertise in real estate, law, and negotiation while navigating potential challenges, using mitigation tactics such as transparent communication and adherence to legal regulations to ensure smoother progress. Below is a list of challenges covered in the guide, along with mitigation tactics:
- Complicated and prolonged process
- Managing the critical path in right of way acquisition
- Shared right of way
- Protected, environmental, and historic properties
- Relocation
- Condemnation
To learn more about the basics of right of way, please refer to the guide: Right of way 101
