Where the line of any railroad company of this State is constructed to the Delaware river, such company may extend such line, with as many tracks as it shall deem necessary, by means of a bridge and its approaches, to the middle of the river and connect the same with any railroad of an adjoining State and may change the location of its line or make such other improvements therein as may be necessary or convenient for this purpose.
The company may acquire by condemnation such lands as may be necessary.
The company may occupy so much of the land belonging to this State as shall be required for the bridge and the piers and abutments thereof and approaches thereto, upon payment to the Department of Conservation and Economic Development of such compensation as it shall fix. The department shall convey such lands in fee to the company upon receiving such payment.
The company may retain that portion of the line which has been relocated if in its opinion the abandonment of the original line would be inconvenient or injurious to the interests of the public and the company.
N.J.S. § 48:12-44