60-4-201. Exchange of interest in real property. (1) The department may determine that an interest in real property, however acquired by it, is no longer necessary to the laying out, altering, construction, improvement, or maintenance of a highway. Except as provided in 60-4-213 through 60-4-218, the department may then exchange the interest, either as entire or partial consideration, for any other interest in real property needed for highway purposes. The department may establish the manner and terms and conditions for the exchange.

(2) Except as provided in 60-4-213 through 60-4-218, prior to making the exchange, the department shall notify all landowners whose property is adjacent to the land proposed for exchange. If any of the landowners are interested in buying the land proposed for exchange, the landowners shall notify the department of their interest by registered letter within 30 days of the receipt of the notice of exchange from the department. Upon receipt of a notice of interest, the department shall offer the land proposed for exchange for sale as provided in 60-4-202 and 60-4-203.

(3) The department may enter into an arrangement for exchange solely with a municipality or county for an interest in real property that is a public right-of-way used for transportation purposes. The department may transfer the interest to the municipality or county in exchange for the municipality or county assuming full interest and maintenance authority upon the following conditions:

(a) the real property must be maintained as a public right-of-way for transportation purposes; and

(b) no portion of the interest may be sold to or exchanged with private entities.