Crossings and Connections

This is the 2026 edition of the code. This is the current edition. It was last updated Aug 02, 2026. Browse all editions.

This is Article 4 of the Code of Virginia, titled “Crossings and Connections.” It is part of Chapter 1 “General Provisions”, which is part of Title 56 “Public Service Companies”. It contains 22 laws.

It’s comprised of the following 22 sections.

§ 56-16	Wagonways to be constructed across roads, railroads, canals, and other works; enforcement
§ 56-16.1	Telephone, telegraph or electric power lines crossing railroads
§ 56-16.2	Public utility lines crossing railroads
§ 56-16.3	Fiber optic broadband lines crossing railroads
§ 56-17	Right of one public service corporation to cross the works of another; cost
§ 56-18	Submission of plans for such crossing
§ 56-19	Contest by company whose works are crossed
§ 56-20	Payment for damage occasioned by crossing works of public service corporations
§ 56-21	When work on crossing works of public service corporation to proceed; no injunction to be awarded
§ 56-22	Change of course of railroad, etc., to avoid crossings
§ 56-23	Crossing of highway by public service corporation
§ 56-24	Effect of crossing on highway
§ 56-25	Manner of construction of crossing
§ 56-26	Cost of crossing
§ 56-27	Applications required for crossings
§ 56-28	Contest by county or Commissioner of Highways
§ 56-29	Change of course of highway to avoid crossings
§ 56-30	Payment of damages occasioned by crossing highway
§ 56-31	When work of crossing highway to proceed
§ 56-32	Limitation on crossing rights if altering, closing or obstructing highway or stream involved
§ 56-33	Duty of corporation whose wires cross other works
§ 56-34	General Assembly may require connections between public service corporations