R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-6-13: Authorization of condemnation for road purposes.

Whenever in the opinion of the director of transportation the acquisition of land or other real property or any interest, estate, or right therein is necessary or advantageous for the establishing, laying out, widening, extending, relocating, regrading, straightening, or improving of any public highway, street, or parkway, or to secure more suitable lines, grades, or safety, the state properties committee may authorize the acquisition thereof by condemnation proceedings; provided, however, the state properties committee shall not authorize any land or estate owned and used by any railroad company to be taken by condemnation until after hearing before the division of public utilities and carriers and until the consent of the division of public utilities and carriers to the taking shall be given.