Tenn. Code Ann. § 42-3-109

In the acquisition of property by eminent domain proceedings authorized by this chapter, an authority shall proceed in the manner provided by title 29, chapter 16. For the purpose of making surveys and examinations relative to eminent domain proceedings, it is lawful for the authority to enter upon the land, doing no unnecessary damage. Notwithstanding any other statute or other law, an authority may take possession of any property to be acquired by eminent domain proceedings at any time after the commencement of the proceedings. The authority shall not be precluded from abandoning the proceedings in any case where possession of the property has not been taken, even after a trial jury in circuit court has rendered a verdict as to damages for the property taken and at any time prior to the entry of a final decree disposing of the entire eminent domain proceedings.