Any railroad company chartered by the General Assembly, and also any person or persons or any company owning or operating a public or private railroad in this state, shall, when necessary to reach minerals, timber, or other materials, have the right to cross any other railroad at grade points or at any other point where such crossing will not obstruct the other road, or, if necessary, by means of a tunnel or bridge, said tunnel or bridge being absolutely secure.
OCGA § 46-8-104