(a) The State Highway Commission is authorized and empowered to purchase any or all of the privately owned toll bridges in the State of Arkansas at prices to be fixed by the commission in accordance with rules to be promulgated by the commission.
(b) Where it is not possible to purchase any privately owned toll bridges, then the commission is authorized to construct bridges at places where there are now operated any privately owned toll bridges.
(c) The purchase of each bridge shall include the right-of-way, franchise, and license, if any, and all right, title, and interest and claim of the owner in and to it together with all appurtenances thereunto belonging.
(d) No money shall be paid over on the purchase of a toll bridge under authority of this section until there has been a conveyance by the owner to the State of Arkansas of the bridge proper together with approaches, right-of-way, license, franchise, and whatever other outstanding claim, right, title, or interest there may be in the bridge, to the end that the state may completely own and control the bridge and that the public may use it free of toll.
(e) The state shall repair and maintain all bridges purchased by authority of this section in the same manner that it now or may hereafter repair and maintain bridges which are parts of the state highway system.