Rettstrekning

Rettstrekning is a term used in Norwegian land-use planning to describe a defined length of land where a public or utility right applies to facilitate construction, access, and operation of infrastructure. The purpose is to secure a corridor for functions such as roads, railways, pipelines, electrical lines, or water and sewer systems, while the underlying land remains the property of private owners.

Establishment and scope: Rettstrekning can be created through expropriation or by private agreement that grants a servitutt or easement. The exact width, alignment, and conditions are specified in planning documents, property deeds, or easement agreements and are binding on current and future owners of the land. The right may be permanent or long-term, and can be temporary for a construction project.

Rights and restrictions: The holder of the rettstrekning has the right to pass, access, and operate the infrastructure; the landowner retains ownership but may be limited in how they can use the land. Maintenance responsibilities and compensation for damages are typically defined in the agreement and relevant law. In some cases, the right may require ensuring access for maintenance and emergency work.

Legal framework: In Norway, rettstrekning is regulated under planning and building legislation and sector-specific acts, along with the Ekspropriasjonsloven and the concept of servitutts (easements), which regulate how rights are established, exercised, and transferred with land.

Examples: Road and highway corridors, railway alignments, water supply lines, wastewater pipes, and power or fiber-optic lines are commonly established as rettstrekninger to guarantee continued access and operation.

Related terms include servitutt, easement, ekspropriasjon, and plan- og bygningsloven.