The commission with the approval of the Department of Highways is hereby authorized and empowered to acquire by purchase, whenever it shall deem such purchase expedient, such tunnels, whether wholly or partly constructed, rights of way, franchises, easements and other interests in lands, as it may deem necessary for the construction and operation of the parkway, upon such terms and at such price as may be considered by it to be reasonable and can be agreed upon between the commission and the owner thereof, and to take title thereto in the name of the commission.