R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-6-11
Upon the application in writing of any railroad company, or of any person whose interest may be affected by the doings of the company, to the superior court for the county in which the estate affected lies, for a hearing and determination of any matter or thing whereof the superior court has jurisdiction and cognizance relative to railroads by virtue of any act of incorporation, or the provisions of § 39-6-13, the clerk shall cause a citation to issue thereon, addressed to the parties named in the application, and made returnable to the superior court in the county, which citation shall be served upon the adverse parties in the same manner as process in a civil action, and, upon the return and entry thereof, the matter shall proceed in all respects as a civil action.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-6-11