R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-25-20: Pipes along highway or railroad.

Whenever the commission shall lay or install any pipes or other equipment under any public highway, private way, right-of-way, or tracks, the commission shall, as far as possible, restore the public highway, private way, right-of-way, or tracks, to its former condition. Nothing in this chapter shall authorize the commission to condemn any portion of the right-of-way of any railroad, or other public service company, except for the purpose of crossing the same, either above or below grade, and of maintaining suitable and convenient supports for the crossing, in such manner as not to render unsafe, or to impair the usefulness of, the right-of-way for the railroad or the purposes of the public service company.