As used in 60-4-213 through 60-4-218, unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Abandoned interest" means the fee simple or lesser interest in the subject property after the right-of-way abandonment has been ordered by the commission.
(2) "Contiguous property" means subdivided parcels along one side of the length of the remainder.
(3) "Remainder" means the area lying between the centerline and the new right-of-way line as determined by the department, in its sole discretion, as necessary for the reconstruction and maintenance of a road or highway.
(4) "Subject property" means that portion of highway right-of-way for which right-of-way abandonment is sought.