The Penn's Grove record., 1923-08-31
RUINED FAE.N0
DUE TO Tree ROOTS
Maintenance Head Reports to
State Commissioner on
CIogging of Drains.
SURFACE BUCKLED IN PLACES
Board Denies Aid in Policing of High
ways-SeVeraI Fund Pleas Acted
Upon-Agree on E. N. RoselIe
as Head of Boys Home.

Trenton.-Tree planting along i'm
proved roads was presented to the
State Highway Commission from
new angle by Alexander Muir, superin-
tendent of maintenance of the depart
ment, after he had made an informal
report of progress of his division dur
ing the season.
1t was suggested by Commissioner
Walter Kidde that the commission
should take action in the near future
looking toward the planting of trees
along sections of the state highway as
suggested by Governor Silzer some
time ago. Mr. Muir was informed that
probably the maintenance division
would have charge of the work under
the general direction of the state for
ester.
Mr.. Muir told the commission ne
thought great care essential in select
ing the type Of trees to be planted and
also in their location. He pointed out
that underdrains are an essential in
modern highway construction and that
a magnet attracts steel. Instancing
an experience in the Highland Park
Metuchen stretch Of road which "blew
up" from causes not fully explained,
Mr.. Muir said it was found that the
underdrains had become packed with
roots of trees, as tightly as if they had
been forced into the drains by a hy
draulic press. He said there was no
available space for water to get
through.
Lifting Power of Roots
In addition to this, he suggested that
careful consideration should be given
to the effect of roots upon the pave
ment itself. Their lifting power is so
great that not infrequently they will
raise huge boulders However, as
viewed by Mr.. Muir. the principal dan
ger of tree planting would probably
be in the effect OF roots on under
drains. In constructing these it is nee
essary to leave loose joints to admit
water, and these afford ready access
for roots as well.
In presenting his report for the d.
vision, Mr. Muir said the end of heavy
work for the present season is in
sight. Within two weeks he said it
will have all been disposed of except
two jobs, held up pending construction
work. Practically all resurfacing has
been completed, although the usual
patrols will be maintained throughout
the year as heretofore.
Mr. Muir said application of dust lay
Ing preparations is well under way and
far ahead of the required schedule,
Notwithstanding the late start. The
application of lignin binder, he said,
will be completed considerably earlier
this year than last.
To Take Over Route II
The commission decided to take over
October 1 next Route II, between New
ark and Paterson, which passes
through Belleville, Nutley and Clifton.
except that portion in Clifton, where
the population being in excess of 49,
OO0 the commission has no jurisdic-
ton. Route II, as originally planned
passed through Bloomfield, but subse-
quent to passage of the bond issue act
It was changed to Belleville. AS a
consequence proceeds of the bond is
sue will not be available for construc-
ton work, which, in the judgment of
the commission, will probably be nee
essary within the next few years.
The question of taking over the por-
ton of Route ii in Essex county has
been agitated by tn Essex freeholders
for some time and was virtually prom
sed by the State Highway Department
about two weeks ago. By fixing the
effective date as October 1 the county
will be responsible for maintenance Of
the road until practically the end of
the season.
The question of policing the state
highway system and detours was re-
yived through receipt of letter from
he mayor of Roselle Park, stating that
,or the past three weeks the heavy
traffic on the detour through the mu-
1icipality had necessitated extra po-
ice, for which no provision had been
made in the Roselle Park budget. The
mayor suggested that the commission
assume responsibility for the cost of
his extra force, adding that otherwise
t would be withdrawn at the end Hf +
he present week.
The commission directed that the
aoselle Park authorities be notified it
las no authority to police the high
ways, and therefore, could not grant
he request. 1t was suggested that
his subject might be taken up when
he legislature meets or that in the
vent of emergency the state police
night be called upon. Similar COM
,laints have been received from else
vhere and the commission is fear i
ul that if it granted one request it
7ould be deluged with applications.
Scales for Weighing Trucks
After consultation with Commissions ;
r Dill of the Motor Vehicle Depart ;
lent and upon recommendation of .
Iajor Sloan, the commission sane
Ioned the purchase and installation of
tx additional scales to be used in =
reiehing loaded trucks at various