It is declared to be the policy of this state to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries caused by collisions between motor vehicles and railroad trains; to eliminate as far as possible unnecessary conflicts between railroad transportation and highway transportation; to improve the movement of both rail and highway traffic by eliminating grade crossings; and to assist in relocation of railroad facilities that bisect the central portions of municipalities, thus hampering the growth of both the municipality and the railroad services; the effect of such policies being to benefit and enhance the community as a whole. These policies shall not be implemented in any manner without just compensation to all damaged parties, including both railroads and shippers, and, where appropriate, alternate routes for affected railroads.