Section Line Roads

[LS_8750]

So often we see roads on section lines, in California and other states.

Was there a rule that section lines were rights-of-way during the patent process during some time period?

A little song relevant to the subject matter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_bFXo- ... rt_radio=1

[CBarrett]

Yes, I read about it couple of years ago. It may have started while I was reading Clark on Boundaries, if I remember correctly.

Edit: Google says North and South Dakota have it in their statutes.

.N.D.C.C. § 24-07-03 — “Section lines considered public roads …”
Declares congressional section lines public roads (outside incorporated cities/villages) and sets the width at two rods on each side (total 66 ft). Also provides the limited process to close them.

N.D.C.C. § 24-06-30 — Removal of fences/obstructions near section lines
Confirms the 33-ft each side clearance when a section-line highway is opened (i.e., the 66-ft corridor).


(Background AG letters repeatedly affirm § 24-07-03 as the source of the public’s right to travel section lines.)

South Dakota (SDCL)

S.D.C.L. § 31-18-1 — Existence of section-line highways by operation of law
Establishes that section-line highways exist by statute (no separate dedication needed).

S.D.C.L. § 31-18-2 — Width of section-line highways
Sets the width at 66 ft, taken 33 ft from each side of the section line, unless changed by law.

[LS_8750]

In my work I've noticed how irrigation and drainage ditches often fall on section or fractional lines as well, at least in the flatlands.

Interesting how the collective hive mind adapted to this section line road/ditch/canal method. You see it almost everywhere, even in LA.
I spent a couple years in the UK back in 1998-2000. Development patterns generally went from center, usually the castle and/or church, and outward.

[Jim Frame]

In my work I've noticed how irrigation and drainage ditches often fall on section or fractional lines

The bane of my existence. (Well, one of them, anyway.) Periodic ditch cleaning takes out any monument that gets set, even the ones thought to be on a safe offset.

[LS9200]

In Michigan, the roads along section lines are 66' ROW (4 Rods in width where they are centered on section lines). Makes for a good shoulder and utility poles not sitting right on the edge of pavement on rural roads.

https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL ... mcl-221-20

[NateBob]

Small Tract Act right of ways is a possibility. I work in very mountainous terrain where a straight road is very uncommon. When I've encountered tangent roads following aliquot lines in townsites, the Small Tract Act was the source.