These are the most serious deficiencies. They could be eliminated, and the rural main lines of the network could thus be put into acceptable condition for emergency use with a minimum expenditure of approximately $458,000,000.
Less critical deficiencies of the rural network consist of a large number of bridges of inadequate horizontal clearance, and a smaller number the vertical clearance of which is deficient; a very substantial mileage of roads the surfaces of which, though wider than the critical minimum of 18 feet, are still narrower than they should be for proper accommodation of the present and expected traffic volume; a common condition of excessive curvature and inadequate sight distance; and general lack of shoulders of sufficient width to accommodate standing vehicles without obstructions of moving traffic.
Details of the deficiencies here briefly stated are given in appendix V.
To raise the entire rural network to the standard eventually desirable for safe and convenient use by both civil and military traffic, and provide further for the expensive improvements required on portions of the main lines of the network within the corporate limits of cities, and for essential improvements of auxiliary lines, would require a continuing expenditure as large as the minimum previously indicated for a period of several years.
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS IMMEDIATELY REQUIRED FOR DEFENSE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
As explained in detail in appendixes I and II, there are means presently available to the Public Roads Administration and the Work Projects Administration, which are being applied as fully as possible to the correction of the most ·serious deficiencies of defense roads, with the commendable cooperation of State highway departments and local road officials. However, because of inherent financial difficulties and legal restrictions, only a part of the needed improvement can be effected by these means. Many of the larger and most vital projects require contractors’ organizations and extensive equipment for time-saving, efficient construction; and it is abundantly clear that the funds now available will be inadequate to effect all of even the most urgently required construction.
After a thorough canvass of the entire situation, the following additional provisions by the Federal Government are recommended as immediately required to permit a reasonably satisfactory accomplishment of the most urgent improvements of the several classes of roads.
Access roads.—There should be appropriated to the Public Roads Administration not less than $150,000,000 for access roads to military and naval reservations and defense-industry sites. This sum should be available to pay all costs, including right-of-way, of roads in the vicinity of reservations and industrial sites when such roads are certified to the Federal Works Agency as essential by appropriate major defense agencies. It should also be made available to pay the cost of constructing new sections of highways, replacing existing highway connections broken by necessary closures at reservations and industrial sites.
Tactical roads.—A fund of $25,000,000 should be appropriated to be used for the improvement of roads to be used regularly in the tactical
