§ 9–303
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Util. § 9-303 (2026)
Title 9. Carrier Companies
Subtitle 3. Maryland Railroad Companies
§ 9–303LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a Maryland railroad company may locate, construct, maintain, and operate a railroad in the State if the railroad is not more than 100 feet wide at the graded surface.
(2)
A railroad may be wider than 100 feet if the Maryland railroad company determines that it is necessary for:
(i)
cuts and fills for a slope or embankment;
(ii)
multiple sets of tracks; or
(iii)
sidetracks, turnouts, depots, buildings, and other works connected with the operation of the railroad.
(b)
(1)
A Maryland railroad company may acquire land and other property that it determines is convenient or necessary for the site of the railroad or for additions to the railroad by:
(i)
purchase, either in fee simple or any lesser estate, in accordance with law; or
(ii)
condemnation under Title 5, Subtitle 4 of this article and Title 12 of the Real Property Article.
(2)
A Maryland railroad company may acquire by purchase or gift lands near the railroad that it determines are necessary to secure the right-of-way or aid in the construction of the railroad.
(c)
(1)
Land that a Maryland railroad company acquires may be held or conveyed as determined by the board of directors of the Maryland railroad company.
(2)
Deeds and conveyances made by a Maryland railroad company shall be signed by the president of the company under its corporate seal.
(d)
This section does not authorize a Maryland railroad company to condemn, use, or occupy any part of a highway, including the space under or over a highway, without the consent of the proper authorities of the municipal corporation or county where the highway is located.