Understanding Pipeline Paths: Road Crossings and Field Markers

In this video, Texas Landowner Attorney Phil Hundl shares information about pipeline markers at road crossings and in fields or pastures. If you’re impacted by a pipeline project, you should get the help of a knowledgeable lawyer to guide you through the condemnation process. Call Phil and his team at 800-266-4870 or text the office at 979-320-9320. Our offices are in Wharton County, and we help landowners all over Texas.

Summary of Understanding Pipeline Paths: Road Crossings and Field Markers

While driving through Washington County, Attorney Philip Hundl stopped to highlight a key issue landowners should be aware of—how pipeline routes are marked both at road crossings and within private property. Using the Seminole NGL line as an example, he points out that while most expect pipeline markers at fence lines or along roads, they can also appear deep inside fields and pastures. These in-field markers often indicate changes in pipeline direction and can pose ongoing challenges to land use. It’s a clear reminder that pipeline easements don’t just affect the edges—they can impact the heart of your property.

Key Takeaways for Landowners:

• Pipeline markers can appear inside fields, not just along fence lines or roads
• Directional changes in the route often lead to multiple mid-field markers
• These markers can interfere with daily land use and long-term property planning

Introduction

In this on-the-ground update, Attorney Philip Hundl visits Washington County to spotlight an often-overlooked aspect of pipeline construction: how pipeline routes and markers extend beyond the usual fence lines and road crossings, directly affecting landowners’ use of their property.

Understanding Road Crossings

While crossing a gravel county road, Philip points out a visible section of the Seminole NGL pipeline. Standard pipeline markers are placed at the fence line and gate—expected locations that most landowners recognize. However, this crossing is just part of the bigger picture.

Pipeline Markers Beyond Perimeters

Philip highlights something less typical but increasingly common—pipeline markers located well inside a landowner’s field. These markers are not on the perimeter but right in the middle of usable pastureland, creating obstacles to farming, ranching, or general land use.

Directional Changes in Pipeline Paths

These in-field pipeline markers usually indicate changes in the pipeline’s direction. For every significant deviation in the pipeline route, a marker may be required—even if it’s far from the edge of a property. In the example shown, there are four markers clearly visible within the pasture, tracing the directional shift.

What Landowners Should Know

Seeing pipeline markers scattered through your property is more than an aesthetic issue—it can affect how you operate and maintain your land. It’s a reminder that pipeline easements may impact more than just the borders of your property. Understanding these placements is essential for negotiating fair terms and long-term land use protections

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