In the construction of the works of improvement, the contractor shall have the right to enter upon the lands necessary for this purpose and the right to remove private or public bridges or fences and to cross private lands in going to or from the work. In case the right-of-way of the improvement is through timber, the owner thereof shall have the right to remove it if he so desires before the work of construction begins.
Ala. Code § 9-9-45 (1975)