In this section, “public way” means any public street, public road, public alley, or public highway. In accordance with this section, a district may enter or excavate on any public way to install, maintain, or operate a project. The district is not required to obtain a permit or to pay a fee for an entry or excavation under this section. Before beginning work under this section, the district shall notify the public authority responsible for the public way. After completing the work under this section, the district, at its own expense, shall restore the public way to a condition at least as good as the condition that existed immediately before the work began.