The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-10-06

would be the limited way extending more than 400 miles from the Vest chester, New York, parkway system and the Merritt Parkway under con- struction in southwestern Connecti- cut to Bar Harbor, It is planned as 8 freeway, with limited right of ac- cess |. It would reduce driving time between New York and Port land by more than three hours"
 Contemplated in the construc- ton of this superhighway is the elimination of sharp curves, steep grades, dangerous intersections, city traffic cutting in from driveways and wayside business areas, un- slightly roadside construction. It would be, in other words, 6 modern roadway, by-passing cities, with every device such as visibility, cir cular trafflc, divided lanes, over- passes and underpasses removing all crossings at grade of either rail- road lines or other highways. More than that, the superhighway would tap every north and south highway and be itself a part of @ new system that would advantage every corner of New England.
 The proposal would cost money plenty of money: but 1t would be the most important step ever taken to make all the scenic beauties and recreational facilities of New Eng land accessible quickly to the great est concentration of population in the country. Within the limits of a single days driving, New York could find enjoyment along the charming back-roads of most of New England; and since the high way could be used by commercial vehicles, rapid transportation of merchandise could promote the flow of the products of industry.
 The method of finance should properly be by long term bonds; the advantages to be secured by the su- perhighway should be paid for by other generations than the present; and so far as Maine is concerned, 1t is more than likely that the in- crease in revenue from increased gasoline taxes would be sufficient to pay the bills even though our part of the construction job would be nearly half of the whole project.
 It is not hard to visualize what such @ traffic artery would mean not only to its users but to every coln- munity whose complicated traffic problems would be solved. At pres- ent, through trafflc Is forced to use city streets in countless commit mites. This means irritating de- lay; 1t means, trafilc lights, traffic police, trafflc congestion such that residents of the communities are virtually denied reasonably free use of their own highways. Whatever might be expended in the construc- ton of Q superhighway would be saved to through travellers and local residents. Those who dread the ssop-and-go driving now attending long trips would find inducernent to take them when speed, comfort and security are virtually guaranteed.
 The more the proposal is studied, the more 1t eimerges, not as a beau- tiful but impractical vision, but as Q concrete, well-reasoned plan of highway development that would have vast importance to New Eng land prosperity. The New England Regional Planning Commission has justified It's existence in many ways before now; but It's latest proposal as explained by MT. Gutter ct Rangeley Is unquestionably the most valuable contribution 1t or any other body has yet made to New England development. It would be Q pity were 1t not instantly to be taken up and ordered put into the survey and blueprint stage by competent engi- neers. Probably the next step might well be for the several gov- ernors to consider ways of trans- lating Q bare proposal into action. Whether this action should come through Q joint commission or through separate state action will have to be decided; but there should be no delay in following up Q lead SO valuable to every community ;n New England. It Is to be hoped that the New England Council will approve the proposal and give it blessing.