In the context of public utilities, "right of way" refers to the legal permission granted to utility companies or governmental agencies to install and maintain infrastructure such as pipelines, electrical lines, or telecommunications cables on or beneath privately-owned land or public property.

Obtaining right of way is essential for these entities to access the land necessary for installing, repairing, and maintaining utility infrastructure. This access may be granted through various means, including easements, fee simple purchases, licenses, or permits.

Easements are a common legal mechanism used to establish the right of way for utility infrastructure. An easement grants a specific right to use or access another person's land for a particular purpose, such as installing and maintaining utility lines. Easements can be granted voluntarily through negotiation and agreement between the property owner and the utility company, or they can be imposed by law through processes like eminent domain.

Ensuring proper right of way for public utilities is crucial for maintaining essential services and infrastructure, while also respecting the rights and interests of property owners and the public. It involves navigating legal processes and agreements to establish the necessary permissions for utility companies to operate effectively and provide services to communities.