Where a railroad is constructed above the grade of any street or highway in any city or town by a bridge the company may erect piers for the support and safety of the bridge. The piers may be located at the outer edge of the street or highway so as not to encroach thereon and may extend thence into the sidewalk or place left therefor.
From the land on each side of the street or highway, so much shall be added to the sidewalk and thrown open to public use for such purpose, as shall be occupied by the pier on that side.