Right-of-Way vs. Easement

Right-of-Way vs. Easement: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to infrastructure projects, where you build is just as important as what you build. Understanding the difference between a right-of-way (ROW) and an easement can help keep your project on schedule, compliant, and conflict-free.

What is a Right-of-Way?

A right-of-way is a type of permission that allows utilities or the public to travel through or build along a designated corridor. Rights-of-way are typically granted by a public entity—such as a city, county, or state—and are most often used for public infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, water lines, and communication networks.

Example:
A telecom or power line running within a city’s roadway corridor.

What is an Easement?

An easement is a legal agreement that allows someone—like a utility company—to use a portion of private property for a specific purpose without owning the land. Easements are usually granted directly by the property owner and often include access rights for construction, maintenance, or repair.

Example:
Installing or maintaining telecom or power lines across private land.

Why the Difference Matters

While both allow access for infrastructure, the governing authority and approval process differ.

• Rights-of-way often involve public permitting, coordination with municipalities, and compliance with local or state regulations.

• Easements require negotiation and documentation with private landowners to ensure legal access and minimize disputes later.

Knowing the distinction helps engineers, designers, and permitting teams plan routes more efficiently and avoid delays caused by unclear land-use rights.

Keeping Your Project Moving

At Sigma Technologies, we handle both right-of-way and easement permitting every day. Whether you’re crossing public corridors or private parcels, our teams ensure the necessary permissions are secured so your project can move forward—on time, on budget, and safely.

Whether it’s right-of-way, easements, or somewhere in between, we’ve got your permitting covered. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your projects.