The warden of the Connecticut Correctional Institution, Somers, the warden of the John R. Manson Youth Institution, Cheshire or the Community Correctional Center Administrator, upon the requisition of the commissioner, may permit any inmate of any institution under said warden’s or administrator’s charge, other than a person serving a life sentence, to be employed in the construction of any highway or bridge, under the direction of said commissioner. Said warden or Community Correctional Center Administrator shall furnish necessary guards over prisoners while out of the custody of any such institution.