Any person owning, using, or occupying lands on both sides of any public highway has the privilege of making a crossing under the highway for the purpose of letting his cattle and other domestic animals across such highway. However, such person shall erect at his own expense, a good and substantial bridge, with good railings on each side thereof, and build an embankment, of easy grade, on either side of the bridge. The bridge shall be not less than 16 feet wide, and be approved by the appropriate highway authorities having jurisdiction of such public highway. The bridge shall be kept constantly in good repair by the owner or occupant of the land, the construction subject always to the consent and approval of such appropriate highway authorities.
     In case such crossing is made on any waterway or natural channel for water and where a culvert or bridge is maintained as required for highway purposes, the owners or occupants shall not be required to pay for or construct any more of the crossings than the additional cost of such crossing over and above the necessary cost of a suitable culvert or bridge for highway purposes at such place.