That kind of story makes me wish for more short lines. Was on a preliminary "scoping" review for a small project to relocate a major industrial driveway and improve the resulting intersection with left turn lanes etc. They were on an old SP branch that had recently been taken over by a short line. The project engineer had figured in a year to deal with the railroad, starting after final design was done, because that's the way it always was with SP, but sent an invitation to the preliminary review anyway (it was in the SOP).

The local manager of the new short line showed up. Massive surprise - a railroad person here when input is useful (starting the design)?! Looked over the preliminary plans and where/how things would be moved; made a couple of useful suggestions on dealing with the resulting new grade crossing (one crossing replacing 2 old ones); and said OK, where do I sign off? Mass confusion and recalculation of schedules, resulting in completion of the project 2 years head of the original plans! The industrial plant was happy, too, with both the improved intersection and improved service from the short line.