A reminder to residents about the Town’s right of way on all Town roads. (This does not include Village roads or private roads.)
Depending on the width of the road, measured by the number of rods, the Town owns from the center to beyond on both sides of the road. For example, a 3-rod road is 49.5 feet wide. The Town owns from the center to 24.75 feet on both sides. If you have plantings, walls, gardens, grasses, lawn ornaments, etc., in the Town right of way, it is subject to removal when work is done in that area. It will not be replaced.
The purpose of the right of way, which is a long standing law, is to maintain the traveled area to keep it safe for passage. This includes the road itself and the sides of the road to be maintained for ditching, culvert placement, etc. When traveling on roads you need to be able to pass safely without going around overhanging trees, brush, grass, etc. If you need to pull over, you need to be able to see if there is a ditch or drop off. Hence the purpose for the Town right of way.
Thank you.