Who typically owns the right of way for highways?

The right of way for highways is generally owned by the public, which means that it is held in trust for the benefit of all citizens. Public ownership implies that the land is intended for use by everyone, thereby facilitating access and safety for all road users. This ownership is crucial for maintaining and operating highways, as it allows government entities to manage the land effectively for transportation purposes.

While state governments, local municipalities, and private developers may play important roles in the planning, construction, and maintenance of highways, the overarching ownership ultimately lies with the public. This ensures that highways serve the community's transportation needs and are developed in a manner that benefits society as a whole.

The concept of public ownership underlines the importance of highways as vital infrastructure that connects communities and supports economic activity, thus reinforcing the idea that they belong to the people rather than to individual entities.