4.10     RIGHT OF WAY

4.11     INSTALLATION OF RIGHT‑OF‑WAY MARKERS

The Department's right‑of‑way marker consists of a 5/8 inch reinforcing bar with a metal Iowa DOT survey cap placed on top.  If existing right‑of‑way rails protrude above ground, rails should be carefully driven flush or to a maximum of 3 inches below ground. 

Location of Markers

Right‑of‑way markers shall be set accurately on the following points:

n At each angle or offset in right‑of‑way line

n At apparent intersections of railroad or county right‑of‑way line

n At beginning and end of each curve plus intermediate points on long curves where necessary

n At apparent intersection of government land lines

n At apparent intersection of city street right‑of‑way lines

n At lot line intersections in cities if lot corner was in place prior to construction

Block corners at city street intersections must be referenced out if available.  This will simplify setting a pin on the apparent intersecting street right‑of‑way line and projecting the new right‑of‑way line from street to street for proper location of sidewalks or retaining walls.

Witness Signs

A witness sign is placed adjacent to a permanent right‑of‑way marker to assist in marker location.  Iowa DOT uses a 4 x 9 inch white sign with black letters, "R O W".  The witness sign is mounted on a delineator post so that top of sign is about 4 feet above ground.

Witness signs should not be used in the following areas:

n Developed residential areas (urban, suburban, or rural)

n Developed commercial areas in urban and suburban locations

n Schools and churches in urban areas

n Frontages of rural homes or churches where sign presence would detract from the lawn aesthetics

Refer to Appendix 4‑1 for Iowa DOT warehouse stock numbers for survey markers.