Evening star., 1927-12-11
ROADS TO Be KEPT
OPEN THIS WINTER
More Than 117,000 Miles in
SO States Will Cost
S5,269,0O0.

More than 117,000 miles, nearly so
per cent of the main arteries of We
hfcular travel in the SO states in the
snow belt, will be kept open and free
from snow during the present Winter,
according TO a statement issued today
by the National Headquarters of the
American Automobile Association.
Approximately $5,269,0o0 will be eX-
pended for this extensive program and
ii will mean a saving of millions of
dollars in economic benefits to the
snow states.
The national motoring body, it is
announced. will continue it's efforts to
have all States in the snow belt adopt
a definite program for snow removal
not only in the interests of economy
but as a vital factor in distributing
food, maintaining social communica-
tions and keeping the schools in opera
ton.
Ten Per Cent Increase Expected.
In the Winter Of 1926.27, a total of
1Oe.72l miles were cleared of snow
the A. A. A. says, and this mileage will
be increas sed 10 per cent in the Winter
of 1929. The estimated cost for the
ensuing Winter is based on a slight
increase in both mileage and cost over
last Winter.
The A. A. A. estimates that every 800
spent in snow removal yields 81 900
in more efficient transportation and
business continuity. On the basis of
these figures the communities which
keep their streets ard highways clear
this year Will reap an economic bene-
fit in excess of $50, 900 900.
"These figures demonstrate the great
value of snow removal to commerce
alone" says the A. A. A., "and when
1t is considered that Is per cent of
the Nations population or 90,000,0 900
people are dependent largely upon the
open road, the figures carry a vital
Significance"
Daily Hustle Cited.
The hustle and hustle" Of daily
life is cited by the national motoring
body as a sure sign that closing of
highways would mean untold loss TO
the snow belt area. 1t is now esti-
mated THAI inadequate snow removal
causes a loss to the Nations business
in a single Winter Of $500, 600 900. The
A. A A. statement continues:
"Practically 20 per cent of the Ma
tion's registered motor vehicles are
in the snow belt. This means that on
n basis of $4,000, 900 motor vehicles
registered, with an average value of
1000, an investment Of $4,000, 600
600. in the snow States alone is de-
pendent upon the problems Of keeping
the highways open for Winter travel
THE cost Of clearing the highways
of snow averaged $43.50 per mile last
wear and ranged from $G.40 per mile
In Virginia. the southern boundary of
fhe snow belt. to Sl3G,32 per mile in
wyoming in the Northwest.
'In the snow belt there are 3l5 900
miles Of improved highways represent
ing an initial investment Of SIS. 600 600 =
00O. assuming an average cost Of $25..
moo per mile. The elimination Of sur.
face repairs Is a great factor in the
, argument for snow removal and it is
estimated in Maryland. for instance,
that there was $l50,000 saved in re-
snow removal
Lag i'm Snow Removal.
"Far too many states and cities still
lag behind in preparedness for snow
removal The result is transporta.
tion tie-ups, interference with Winter
motoring, unnecessary damage 10 the
streets. the closing Of schools, the iso
Iation of thousands Of families in rural
homes, the loss and detection Of bust
ness. and quite often the serious cur
ealing Of food distribution.
.a'rhe rapid increase in bus transpor
cation alone brings the snow removal
rroblem directly as one of national
@As there are over 10000 motor
busses operated in the Uniter States
and the majority OF these are in the
snow belt. the situation becomes
doubly serious. OF these busses. ovel
40 400 are operated as common carriers
and over 10000 for use of public and
rorivate schools"