The authority may acquire by appropriation any land, property, rights, rights-of-way, franchises, easements, or other property necessary or proper for the construction or the efficient operation of any toll road project in the manner provided by IC 8-23-7. However, a compensation for the property so taken shall first be made in money as provided by law. Nothing in this chapter shall authorize the authority to take or disturb property or facilities belonging to any public utility or to a common carrier engaged in interstate commerce, which property or facilities are required for the proper and convenient operation of the public utility or common carrier, unless provision is made for the restoration, relocation, or duplication of the property or facilities elsewhere at the sole cost of the authority excepting, however, cases in which the equipment or facilities are located within the limits of existing highways or public thoroughfares being constructed, reconstructed, or improved under the provisions of this chapter.
IC 8-15-2-8