Who Owns What?

Understanding who owns, operates, and maintains transportation infrastructure.

Knowing Who Is Responsible Is the First Step

One of the most common questions residents ask is, "Who is responsible for this?" The answer depends on what you're looking at.

Quick Summary

Roads, sidewalks, trails, railroads, transit systems, bridges, traffic signals, drainage systems, and parks are often owned or maintained by different organizations. Understanding ownership helps residents know where to report concerns, request improvements, or find project information.

Roads

Road Type Typical Owner / Maintainer
Interstate Highways (I-95) Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
State Routes (Route 1, Route 123, etc.) VDOT
Most Neighborhood Streets VDOT (unless private)
Private Roads Property owner or HOA
Federal Roads Federal agency (varies)

Traffic Signals

Most traffic signals on state-maintained roads are operated and maintained by VDOT. Signals on private property or federal facilities may be maintained by the respective owner.

Sidewalks

Sidewalk ownership varies considerably.

  • VDOT right-of-way
  • Fairfax County projects
  • Developers
  • HOAs
  • Commercial property owners
  • Federal agencies

Maintenance responsibility may differ from ownership.

Trails

Trail Type Typical Owner
County Park Trails Fairfax County Park Authority
National Park Trails National Park Service
Roadside Shared-Use Paths Usually VDOT or Fairfax County
Community Trails HOA or private owner

Transit

Service Organization
Fairfax Connector Fairfax County
Metrorail / Metrobus WMATA
Virginia Railway Express VRE
Amtrak National Railroad Passenger Corporation

Railroads

Rail Corridor Owner / Operator
CSX Main Line CSX Transportation
VRE Service Operates on CSX-owned corridors
Amtrak Operates on multiple railroad owners' tracks

Stormwater

Stormwater systems may be maintained by:

  • Fairfax County DPWES
  • VDOT
  • Private property owners
  • HOAs

Responsibility depends on where the facility is located.

Parks

  • Fairfax County Park Authority
  • National Park Service
  • Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
  • Town or private parks

Schools

School buildings are managed by Fairfax County Public Schools. Roadways around schools may be maintained by VDOT, Fairfax County, or private entities depending on location.

How to Find the Right Agency

If you're unsure who owns or maintains a transportation facility:

  1. Identify the exact location.
  2. Determine whether it is a public or private facility.
  3. Check the Agency Directory.
  4. Review related project pages.
  5. Contact the appropriate agency if needed.

Browse the Agency Directory →

Common Questions

  • Who owns this road?
  • Who repairs potholes?
  • Who installs sidewalks?
  • Who maintains traffic signals?
  • Who owns the railroad tracks?
  • Who is responsible for drainage?
  • Who approves transportation projects?

Why Ownership Matters

Knowing who owns or maintains transportation infrastructure helps residents:

  • Report problems more efficiently.
  • Request improvements through the correct agency.
  • Understand project responsibilities.
  • Participate more effectively in public meetings.
  • Navigate transportation issues with greater confidence.

Continue Learning

Who Does What? Citizen Toolkit Agency Directory Learning Center