§ 179. Within what time road to be built. In case any street surface
railroad corporation shall not commence the construction of its road, or
of any extension or branch thereof, within one year after the consent of
the local authorities and property owners or the determination of the
appellate division of the supreme court as herein required, shall have
been given or renewed, and shall not complete the same within three
years after such consents or determination shall have been obtained, its
rights, privileges and franchises in respect of such railroad or
extension or branch, as the case may be, may be forfeited. If the
performance of any act required by this chapter or any prior acts within
the times therein prescribed, is hindered, delayed or prevented by legal
proceedings in any court, such court may also extend such time for such
period as the court shall deem proper or if the performance of any act
required by said statutes within the times therein prescribed is
hindered, delayed or prevented by works of public improvement, or from
any other or different cause, not within the control of the corporation
upon which such requirement is imposed, the time for the performance of
such act is hereby and shall be deemed to be extended for the period
covered by such hindrance, delay or prevention. The time for compliance
with any requirement in this or any former act, by a street surface
railroad corporation incorporated for the purpose of constructing a
street surface railroad and which has prior to March twenty-fifth,
nineteen hundred and two, obtained or shall prior to June thirtieth,
nineteen hundred and three, obtain such consents or determination is
hereby extended until June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and four.