(a) If a channel established under this title crosses a railroad right-of-way at the intersection of the right-of-way with a natural watercourse or depression through which water flows at periods of high water, the railroad company shall:

(1) construct, build, and maintain any necessary new bridge or culvert; or

(2) enlarge, strengthen, reconstruct, or replace any existing bridge or culvert.

(b) The expense to build a railroad under subsection (a) of this section shall be:

(1) considered an element of damage to the railroad company by the board of viewers; and

(2) shown as a damage in the report of the board of viewers.