Right of Way Manual
The Right of Way Manual provides guidance on real estate acquisition, title, appraisal, relocation, and property management.
Right of Way Manual Memorandums
Right of Way manual memorandums are issued as interim updates to the Right of Way Manual.
- 2020-01 - Defense and Indemnity Language (PDF 129KB)
- 2021-01 - Object Codes - Chart of accounts update (PDF 386KB)
- 2022-01 - First contact with property-owners (PDF 162KB)
- 2022-02 - Early and Advance Acquisition and the Use of Eminent Domain (PDF 302KB)
- 2023-01 - Non-Monetary or In-Kind Rent - WSDOT Leasing (PDF 163KB)
- 2023-02 - Surplus Property Valuation Policy (PDF 170KB)
- 2023-03 - Title VI Data Gathering & Annual Reporting (PDF 173KB)
- 2023-04 - Improvements Straddling Right of Way Line and Construction Item (PDF 246KB)
- 2024-01 - New Temporary Relocation Object Code (PDF 153KB)
- 2024-02 - Relocation Monetary Entitlements Changes (PDF 125KB)
- 2024-03 - Waiver Limits (PDF 119KB)
Individual Chapters
Chapter 1 Administration and Operation (PDF 227KB)
Chapter 2 Organization (PDF 307KB)
Chapter 3 General Information (PDF 287KB)
Chapter 4 Appraisal (PDF 440KB)
Chapter 5 Appraisal Review (PDF 322KB)
Chapter 6 Acquisition (PDF 760KB)
Chapter 8 Encumbrances (PDF 503KB)
Chapter 9 Instruments (PDF 945KB)
Chapter 10 Vouchers (PDF 300KB)
Chapter 11 Property Management (PDF 9.1MB)
Chapter 12 Relocation Assistance (PDF 1.2MB)
Chapter 14 Design Build (PDF 173KB)
Slow down – lives are on the line.
In 2023, speeding continued to be a top reason for work zone crashes.
Even one life lost is too many.
Fatal work zone crashes doubled in 2023 - Washington had 10 fatal work zone crashes on state roads.
It's in EVERYONE’S best interest.
95% of people hurt in work zones are drivers, their passengers or passing pedestrians, not just our road crews.