Each city of the first class in this state, acting through its council, in addition to all other powers possessed by the city, is hereby authorized and empowered to acquire by purchase, gift, devise, or condemnation any lands or property and any rights and easements therein which may be needed or required by the city for public street and highway uses or purposes; including among others easements for public streets and highways and bridges and approaches thereto, with necessary supports and abutments therefor, within its corporate boundaries notwithstanding the fact that the property so needed or required has been acquired by the owner under the power of eminent domain or is already devoted to a public use.