(a) Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d) and in cases where the deed, or other instrument, dedicating a highway or part thereof, has expressly provided for a specific devolution of the title thereto upon the abandonment or vacation thereof, whenever any highway or any part thereof is vacated under or by virtue of any Act of this State or by the highway authority authorized to vacate the highway, the title to the land included within the highway or part thereof so vacated, vests in the then owners of the land abutting thereon, in the same proportions and to the same extent, as though the highway had been dedicated by a common law plat (as distinguished from a statutory plat) and as though the fee of the highway had been acquired by the owners as a part of the land abutting on the highway except, however, such vacation shall reserve to any public utility with facilities located in, under, over or upon the land an easement for the continued use, if any, by such public utility. (b) When any highway authority determines to vacate a highway under its jurisdiction, or part thereof, established within a subdivision by a statutory plat, that authority may vacate such highway and convey the highway authority's interest in such highway to any bona fide organization of property owners of the subdivision which (1) is so organized as to be able to receive, hold and convey real property, (2) has petitioned the highway authority for the vacation of the highway, and (3) undertakes to develop the property for the use and benefit of the public. If the association abandons the property, it passes as provided in subsection (a). (c) When any highway authority determines to vacate a highway or part of a highway under its jurisdiction established within a subdivision by a statutory plat, that authority may vacate the highway and convey the highway authority's interest in the highway to any township road district which (1) has petitioned the highway authority for the vacation of the highway and (2) undertakes to develop the property as a bike path or alley for the use and benefit of the public. If the property is subsequently incorporated within a municipality, the township road district may transfer its interest to the municipality. If the township road district or municipality abandons the property, it passes as provided in subsection (a). (d) When any highway authority determines to vacate a highway or a part of a highway under its jurisdiction, the authority may sell the vacated highway property to any third party at fair market value if (1) the authority has either a fee simple interest in the vacated highway property or a dedication of that property by statutory plat and (2) the right of first refusal with regard to the vacated highway property has been granted to adjoining landowners for fair market value.Amended by P.A. 094-0476, § 5, eff. 8/4/2005.Amended by P.A. 093-0321, § 5, eff. 7/23/2003.