N.J. Stat. § 48:12-28
When the survey of its route has been filed in the office of the secretary of state, every railroad company, upon payment or tender of compensation, may construct, maintain and operate a railroad with one or more tracks and such side tracks, turnouts, offices and depots as it may deem necessary between the points named in its charter or certificate of incorporation. Every company may from time to time, either before or after completion of the main line, construct, maintain and operate branches upon the route described in its filed survey.
For these purposes every such company may enter upon, take possession of, hold, have, use, occupy and excavate lands and erect embankments, bridges and all other necessary works and do all other things which may be suitable or necessary for the accomplishment of its objects.
The payment or tender of all damages for the occupancy of any land through, under or upon which the railroad and its branches may be laid out shall be made before the company shall enter upon or break ground except to survey and locate the railroad and branches, unless the consent of the owner of the land be first obtained.
N.J.S. § 48:12-28