When the railroads of railroad companies in this state or any portion of such railroads have been or are to be so constructed as to admit the passage of freight or passenger cars over any two or more of such railroads, continuously without break or interruption, such companies may consolidate themselves into a single company or either company may merge or be merged into the other. Where the railroad of any railroad company in this state is connected with the railroad of another railroad company by means of an intervening railroad, held and operated by either of such companies under lease or over which either of such companies has the right to operate under any trackage agreement, thereby forming together a connected and continuous railroad, the railroads of such companies so connected shall be held to admit the passage of cars over such railroads continuously, without break or interruption, within the meaning of this section.
R.C. § 4967.01