Evening star., 1937-12-23
Preliminary Step, a Survey
of Route, Reported
in Estimate.
COST OF CONSTRUCTION
ASSIGNED MARYLAND
Several Projects to Afford Traffic
Relief in District Provided
in Program.
By JAMES E. CHINN.

Plans for construction of q new
hIgh-speed boulevard, connecting
Washington with summer resorts on
Chesapeake Bay, were disclosed today
IN the Districts 1889 budget estimates.
The budget, it was learned, contains
an item to finance half Of the cost of
an extensive survey to determine the
location of the proposed "direct-to-
the-bay' road. Maryland would be re-
quired to share equally in the cost o.
the survey as we'll as bear the entire
expense, of building the highway.
The proposed road was suggested
about a year ago by Representative
Ross A. Collins, Democrat, of Missis-
sippi, chairman of the House Appro-
prlations subcommittee in charge of
the District supply bill Since that
time, it was learned, he discussed the
plan with officials of the Maryland
State Roads Commission and interest
ed them in the project to the extent
that they agreed to help finance the
survey
"St-aight-Line Road"
Mr.. Collins believes a high-speed
road, built "in straight line" from
washington to the bay would be of
decided benefit to the residents who
have summer cottages along the water
front, as well as to the people OF Mary
land who live in the vicinity of the
proposed highway. He pointed out
that on such a road a resident of
Washington could drive to the bay in
about 80 minutes.
Neither the route of the proposed
highway nor its destination has been
determined. Mr.. Collins indicated.
however, he favored route that would
end in the vicinity of Chesapeake
Beach.
The "direct-to-the-bay" road is
only one of a series of projects the
1899 budget estimates would initiate.
Another major plan calls for construc-
ton of high-speed elevated highway
in the District as bypass for through
north and south bound traffic. Funds
for an extensive engineering survey to
determine the location, cost and design
of this project, Mr.. Collins said, would
be included in the 1899 appropriation
bill.
Traffic Relief Stressed.
The budget estimates, 1t was said,
provide funds for undertaking the
most comprehensive traffic relief pro-
gram in the history of the District.
The projects include construction of
subways under circles as well as
widening of some of the principal
traffic arteries.
Those specifically recommended in
the budget follow:
1. Widening and improvement of
Water street along Washington Chan
mel.
2. Construction of vehicular under
pass at Fourteenth and Water streets
S.W.
8. Widening Of Twelfth street from
Constitution avenue south to Water
street.
4. Widening of Eleventh street NV.
from New York to Florida avenues.
3. Construction of a vehicular under
pass at Dupont Circle.
s. Rearrangement of Scott Circle.
7. Construction Of subway for
street cars at Thomas Circle.
8. Rearrangement of the intersection
Where Fourth street and Constitution
and Pennsylvania avenues NV. con-
verge to eliminate existing traffic
hazards.
Bond Issue Proposed.
The proposed elevated bypass high
way for through traffic, Mr.. Collins
said, could be financed by a bond
issue. A nominal toll fee of IS cents
car could be charged, he said. to
retire the bonds.
1t Is Mr.. Collins plan to have
the elevated road modelled after the
famous Pulaski skyway leading into
New York. The highway, he said,
should start at Highway Bridge and
skirt the business section, following
the water front as far as possible
and then depressing through South
east and Northeast Washington. con-
Meeting with United States route No,
on Bladensburg road, near the Dis
trict line.
Il believe an elevated highway
which would keep through traf1c from
the north and south out of the con-
gested section of the District" Mr..
Collins said. would be one of the
greatest contributions to the solution
of the present traffic problem. And
best of all, District residents would
not have to pay for it. The entire
cost would be borne by the tourists
and the others who would use it,"