The Department's right-of-way marker consists of a #15 metric size (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 75 mm (3 inches) below
ground.
Location of Markers
Right-of-way markers shall be set accurately on the following points:
At each angle or offset in right-of-way line
At apparent intersections of railroad or county right-of-way line
At beginning and end of each curve plus intermediate points on long curves where necessary
At apparent intersection of government land lines
At apparent intersection of city street right-of-way lines
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 100 x 225 mm (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 1.2 m (4 feet)
above ground.
Witness signs should not be used in the following areas:
Developed residential areas (urban, suburban, or rural)
Developed commercial areas in urban and suburban locations
Schools and churches in urban areas
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.