The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-01-19

also the cost of overhead, the charge for the purchase of equipment and the cost Of oiling state aid roads. If the same increase continues two or three years, the straight maintenance of roads will not be direct charge upon funds of the highway depart ment secured from state appropria- tions. Nevertheless, it is recom- mended that there should be large appropriations made for the replace ments of roads in order, not only that this annual charge for maintenance may be reduced, but in order that the roads, may give the best service at all times
 Federal Aid.
 Federal aid in the construction of post roads has been established by the government. The first years ap- rropriation can be met from funds already available, but the future fed eral funds can be secured only by passing an act cOnsenting to the gov. ernment's rules and providing statc appropriations large enough to equal those of the federal government The amounts range from $31,090.44 in 1917 to $156,452.20 in 1921. Some action should be taken, says the re- port, for the money may be applied to advantage in extending the trunk line system.
 Other Recommendations.
 RecommNndations are made in a number of special subjects. Newly constructed roads in a new country should not be treated first with an expensive surface but cheap1y with local material, until 1t can be de- termined what is the best type of pavement for that locality. { New bridges should be heavy and perma- nent and particular attention should be paid to the substructure and foundation. There is a need for new bridge to replace the Washing ton bridge over the Housatonic river between Stratford and Milford and large sums will have to be expended at other places to replace old bridges. Main travelled trunk line roads must be replaced gradually with roads of cement concrete or bituminous pave ment with concrete base at an an- nual expense of $500,000, which will be continued at least seven years. The old railroad bridge over the Thames river at New London should be reconstructed. The commissioner does not feel that the toll bridges at Saybrook and East Haddam should be freed and believe that any fu- ture bridges of this type should either be made toll, when paid for entirely by the state, or free. when there are contributions by towns or counties. There are bad conditions in trunk lines at several places not ably in Windsor, at the stone arch in Yalesville, the Muddy River bridge in North Haven the undercrossiny on Dixwell avenue in Hamden and the stone arch between Danbury and New Milford, Z
 Elimination of Grade Crossings
 There is also need of making some provision for the elimination of rail- road grade crossing on trunk line highways, where the danger grows greater as traffic increases. As soon as possible a special appropriation for this should be made. Some leg islative enactment should be passed allowing the state highway depart ment or the public utilities commits sion to institute proceedings for the elimination of particularly danger ous crossings and providing for the participation of state, town and railroad company in the expense. Re- strictions should also be made in the weight and speed of motor vehicles. The ajority of motor drivers are careful, but small percentage make it extremely dangerous at times to drive on the state highways.