Texas Transportation Code - TRANSP § 283.101. Acquisition of Property

(a) A county acting under this chapter may enter on land, water, or other premises to make a survey, sounding, or examination of the property.

(b) When a condemnation proceeding is filed by a county, the county may take immediate possession of the property being condemned pending the results of the proceeding if the county tenders a bond or other security approved by the court that is sufficient to secure the property owner for damages to the property.

(c) The state grants to a county any easement or right-of-way traversing state property that is necessary or convenient to the construction, acquisition, or efficient operation of a project.