When a toll bridge or toll viaduct has been constructed and now exists, forming a part of a free public road, or connecting free public roads, the board of chosen freeholders of the county in which the toll bridge or toll viaduct and road or roads are situate, may acquire by gift, purchase or condemnation such toll bridge or toll viaduct, with all the franchises, privileges and rights of the owner thereof. When the bridge or viaduct shall have been so acquired it shall be forever thereafter free for public travel, and shall be maintained, widened, repaired or rebuilt the same as other bridges and viaducts in the county.

If the toll bridge or toll viaduct connects two or more counties, the boards of freeholders of such counties may jointly acquire by gift, purchase or condemnation such bridge or viaduct, with all the franchises, privileges and rights of the owner thereof, and it shall be maintained, widened, repaired or rebuilt the same as other viaducts or bridges connecting two or more counties.