Blog · September 27, 2026
What Is a Railroad Right of Way on a Plat
A railroad right of way is the corridor the plat or a separate grant set aside for the rail line, and it is often wider than the tracks.
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Older plats label it along the edge of a block. The fee may belong to the railroad, or the railroad may hold only an easement, depending on the original words.
On the recorded sheet
The operating track, the ballast, and the legal corridor are three different widths. Structures near the line need the recorded width, not a pace count from the rail.
The mix-up to avoid
An abandoned track does not by itself return the land to the adjoining lot. Abandonment and reversion are document questions.
Find the county map
The county GIS map is the practical place to start. Find it from the Platbookmapper directory, then treat the recorded plat and deed as the documents behind the picture.
Not a survey. County GIS and tax parcel maps are assessment and planning layers. They are not a substitute for a recorded plat, deed, or licensed survey.