The acquisition of ROW or other property interests, utility adjustments, relocation or removal located near or on property impacted by a transportation project requires close coordination between TxDOT, local governments, property owners, utility companies, and other stakeholders.

ROW acquisition and utility accommodation processes are often on the critical path in a transportation project’s schedule

, therefore these issues must be identified in the early phases of project development and the transportation engineering practitioner should have a solid understanding of the ROW acquisition and utility accommodation processes to ensure that transportation projects are let or awarded on time.

District ROW staff and utility specialists should be part of the project scoping, PDCC, and DCC meetings to ensure the processes are followed correctly.

ROW and utility tasks occur concurrently with the project development life cycle as shown in .

This chapter includes discussion on the following topics that the transportation engineering practitioner should be familiar with concerning ROW acquisition and utility accommodations.

6.2 ROW and Utility Data Collection;

6.3 ROW Acquisition Process;

6.4 Utility Accommodation Process; and

6.5 ROW and Utility Participation Percentages.