Opinion ID: 2001797
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Power Line Interference With Construction

Text: Another clause in the Agreement provided East River shall not do anything upon the premises of the railroad which will in any way interfere with any facilities or improvements now or hereafter constructed ... which will in any way obstruct, interfere with or endanger railroad operation ... [and] strictly conform to all directions and requirements of the railroad in the performance of any work authorized or to be done hereby. Bell's Estate interprets this language to mean East River must anticipate construction which may potentially interfere with power lines and move them and failure to do so imposes liability for any loss which may result. A fair reading, however, requires East River to cooperate upon demand, not constantly monitor for new construction. See Butterfield v. Citibank of South Dakota, 437 N.W.2d 857, 858 (S.D.1989) (interpretation of a contract is a matter of law fully reviewable by this Court).