Pipeline right-of-way (ROW) clearing is often viewed as a maintenance task for inspections, aerial patrols and emergency access. While those functions are critical, one of the most important roles of ROW clearing is frequently overlooked. It makes the easement of buried pipelines visible to the people most likely to accidentally damage them.
Unlike overhead utilities, pipelines are out of sight. When a corridor is overgrown, there is nothing to signal that critical infrastructure exists beneath the surface. The easement must be clearly defined and pipeline markers must be visible. If these are hidden by vegetation, the public has no idea of it’s presence. At Lanracorp, ROW clearing is treated as a public-facing safety measure that works hand-in-hand with the 811 system to prevent third-party strikes.
The Visibility Problem With Buried Pipelines
Most third-party pipeline strikes do not happen because someone intends to damage infrastructure. They happen because there is no visual reminder that a pipeline exists at all.
When a ROW is overgrown, it blends into surrounding woods or open land. To an excavator or landowner, it may look no different than any other area nearby. Without visible cues, awareness is lost before digging ever begins.
ROW clearing solves this problem by restoring visibility to the corridor and allows pipeline markers to be visible.
Why a Clear ROW Changes Behavior in the Field
A maintained ROW creates immediate awareness. When someone approaches a cleared corridor, they can see that the land is intentionally maintained and that something is present beneath it.
Visual recognition triggers safer decisions
Seeing a cleared easement and visible line markers causes operators to pause and reassess before excavation.
- A visible corridor signals buried infrastructure
- Line markers reinforce that the area is not clear to dig
- Awareness increases before equipment is put in the ground
This moment of recognition is often what leads to calling 811 before work begins.
Calling 811 Starts With Knowing Something Is There
The 811 system is effective, but it relies on awareness. If an excavator does not realize a buried utility exists, the call may never happen.
ROW clearing strengthens the effectiveness of 811 by ensuring the pipeline is not hidden.
At Lanracorp, clearing is performed with marker visibility in mind so that easements remain obvious and readable throughout the corridor. When markers are visible and unobstructed, they reinforce the need to follow proper notification procedures.
The Risk of Overgrown ROWs
When vegetation is allowed to reclaim the easement, the pipeline effectively disappears from view.
Overgrown corridors create conditions where:
- Line markers become hidden in brush and trees
- Easements are mistaken for undeveloped land
- Excavation occurs without visual warning
- Aerial patrols are ineffective
- Maintenance access is limited
- Emergency access is slowed
In these situations, the general public has no reason to believe a buried asset is present. ROW clearing removes that uncertainty and restores the visual warnings needed to prevent damage.
How Lanracorp Approaches ROW Clearing for Damage Prevention
Lanracorp approaches ROW clearing as a damage-prevention strategy, not just a maintenance requirement. The focus is on keeping corridors recognizable, markers visible, and public awareness intact.
By maintaining clear ROWs, Lanracorp helps pipeline operators:
- Reduce third-party strike risk
- Support safer excavation practices
- Reinforce the effectiveness of the 811 system
- Protect buried assets and the people working around them
- Increases awareness through a cleared corridor and visible markers
- Less tree roots to damage the protective coating
ROW clearing and calling 811 are most effective when they work together. One provides visibility. The other provides verification.
Keeping Pipelines Visible Even When They Are Buried
Pipelines will always be underground, but they should never be invisible. Clear, well-maintained ROWs ensure that buried infrastructure remains part of the visual environment and part of the decision-making process before excavation begins.
Lanracorp provides ROW clearing services designed to improve visibility, support 811 compliance, and reduce third-party pipeline strikes. By keeping easements clear and markers visible, Lanracorp helps prevent incidents before they happen. Contact us today!