For purposes of acquiring any property, the department may exercise the right of eminent domain, in the name of the state, pursuant to Chapter 1A, Title 18. The fact that the property needed has been acquired by the owner under the power of eminent domain shall not prevent the property’s acquisition by the department by the exercise of the right of eminent domain herein conferred. For purposes of making surveys and examinations relative to any condemnation proceedings, it shall be lawful to enter upon any land, doing no unnecessary damage. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other statute or the charter of any municipality, the department may take possession of any property to be acquired at any time after the filing of the petition describing the same in condemnation proceedings. It shall not be precluded from abandoning the condemnation of any property in any case where possession thereof has not been taken.