Upon the condemnor's paying the sum fixed by the assessor's award to the state or county authorities together with the cost of proceedings pending an appeal pursuant to Code Section 22-3-44 and upon the execution of a bond in double the amount of the award so fixed, with good and sufficient surety to pay the eventual condemnation award, the condemnor shall be entitled to flood the public roads or highways which are made the subject of the proceedings, provided that such right shall not vest absolutely in the condemnor until the final determination of the case and the payment or deposit in court of the final condemnation award.
OCGA § 22-3-45