In addition to whatever powers the Department may by law now possess whenever it is necessary for the Department as an incident to the construction of a new State highway or the relocation, reconstruction, extension, widening, straightening, alteration, repair, maintenance or improvement of an existing highway (including extension of a new or existing State highway through or into a municipality upon a new or existing street) to acquire property occupied by a structure which must be removed or demolished in order to construct such highway, then the Department may acquire within a one mile radius of such structure such other unimproved or improved but unoccupied easements, rights, lands or other property by purchase or through the exercise of the right of eminent domain, for the purpose of:
(a) Providing a site on which such structure may be replaced or relocated by the Department in order that the structure or its replacement thereof may continue to be used in conformance with the use previously made thereof, provided that the use of such site shall be in accordance with applicable zoning requirements and building codes. The Department is authorized to replace, restore and rehabilitate such site and structure in its entirety including but not limited to providing a suitable foundation, installing heating, lighting, water, sewage and other necessary facilities and appurtenances. After the construction of the replacement structure or relocation, restoration and rehabilitation of any existing structure, the Department may sell or exchange such structure and site on which it is located in the manner provided by Section 4-508 of this Code and may insert in any instrument or deed covering such sale or exchange, such covenants and agreements insuring compliance with this Section which covenants and agreements shall run with the land.(b) Providing a site on which such structure may be replaced, relocated, restored or rebuilt by the owner thereof in order that the structure or its replacement thereof may continue to be used in conformance with the use previously made thereof provided that the use of such site shall be in accordance with applicable zoning requirements and building codes. The Department is authorized to exchange such easements, rights, lands or other property with the owner of the property required for the highway construction in a manner provided by Section 4-508 of this Code and may insert in any instrument or deed covering such exchange, such covenants and agreements insuring compliance with this Section which covenants and agreements shall run with the land. The Department may enter into an agreement or agreements with any department, board, commission, officer or agency of federal or state government, its political subdivisions and municipal corporations or with any private person, firm or corporation in order to carry out the purpose of this Section.