A rail alignment tool for aligning a rail segment of a railroad track positioned on a plurality of railroad ties is provided. The rail alignment tool includes a first side member and a second side member. The first side member includes first and second adjustment arms, and a first connecting member between the adjustment arms. The adjustment arms are positioned on opposite sides of a railroad tie. The second side member receives the adjustment arms and includes a second connecting member. At least one of the side members includes a first adjustment member that extends from the first and/or second connecting members in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rail segment. The adjustment arms engage a bottom surface of the rail segment and move the rail segment away from the railroad tie when the first adjustment member is extended.