Right-of-Way

Rights-of-way are fundamental to utility infrastructure. Nearly all underground utilities — water, sewer, gas, electric, telecommunications, and fiber optic — are installed within public or private rights-of-way. Public ROWs are typically the strips of land along roads and highways that are owned or controlled by a government entity. Private ROWs, also called easements, are granted by property owners to utility companies through legal agreements.

Working within a right-of-way usually requires permits, traffic control plans, and compliance with specific restoration standards. Excavators must coordinate with the ROW owner, which may be a municipality, county, state DOT, or railroad, and comply with their encroachment rules. Violations such as unauthorized excavation within a ROW can result in fines, work stoppages, and legal action.

Hydrovac work frequently takes place within rights-of-way because that is where utilities are concentrated. The non-destructive nature of hydrovac excavation is particularly valued in ROW work because it reduces the risk of damaging existing utilities that are often densely packed in these corridors. Many ROW owners require or strongly prefer hydrovac methods for utility investigation and repair within their jurisdiction.