Effective July 1, 1982, officers and employees who, immediately prior to such date, were engaged in the performance of powers or functions which are consolidated, transferred or abolished pursuant to the provisions of this act or Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 75-5015 and who, in the opinion of the secretary of transportation, are necessary to perform the powers, duties and functions of the department of transportation shall be officers and employees of the department of transportation, and shall retain all retirement benefits and all rights of civil service which such officer or employee had prior to July 1, 1982, and their services shall be deemed to have been continuous. All transfers and any abolishment of positions of personnel in the classified civil service shall be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and regulations.