If a person shall perform labor, provide professional design services, or furnish materials to the amount of $15 or more, in the grading, masonry, bridging or track-laying of a railroad, under a contract with an agent, contractor or subcontractor of the proprietors thereof, the person shall have a lien upon the railroad and the land upon which it is constructed; provided, that he or she gave notice in writing to such proprietors, or to the person having charge of the railroad, that he or she should claim such lien before performing the labor, providing the services, or furnishing the materials for which it is claimed.