When necessary to enter upon and use private property in the construction or operation of their railway tracks, sidetracks, turnouts and switches or for the construction of bridges or viaducts or approaches thereto, street, suburban and interurban railway companies shall have and are hereby given the power of eminent domain; and the procedure and methods of appropriation and of determination of the compensation to be paid for such private property shall be in accordance with K.S.A. 26-501 to 26-516, inclusive.
K.S.A. 66-911