RIGHT OF WAY

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is responsible for building and maintaining the state’s transportation system. Transportation improvements bring many advantages to an area — ranging from shorter commutes to increased business activity.

To accomplish this it is often necessary to acquire land from private property owners.

Private property rights are protected by both the Colorado and United States constitutions. To provide uniform and equitable treatment for those whose property is acquired and for persons displaced by such acquisitions, Congress passed the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, and amended it by the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 commonly known as the “Uniform Act.”

The Uniform Act is the foundation for the information discussed in CDOT’s right‐of‐way brochures that are provided to land owners affected by transportation projects. More detailed information is available on CDOT’s web page. Look under the Planning/Construction heading to find CDOT’s right‐of‐way manual.

CDOT respects the fundamental rights protected by the Uniform Act and is committed to treating all persons with fairness and respect throughout the acquisition and relocation processes.