Evening star., 1952-04-10
State 10 Assist
Montgomery on
Road Problems
ConsuItunts of
Commission to
Make Study
By William A. MiIIen
Stor Stoff CORRESPONDENT

|
BALTIMORE, April 10.-Mary-
land State Roads Commission en-
lgineering conSultants today pre-
pared to draw up cost estimates
for aiding solution of Montgom-
cry County highway problems.
The commission, at a meeting
here yesterday. agreed to ask its
|consultantS to figure out the cost
|of this service and the time in
lvolved. The consultants will
study the western section Of the
county for the proposed inter-
county freeway, which will en-
circle Washington.
They will submit a cost figure
for making a detailed survey later.
The freeway is projected through
a builtup area in the county in
which high costs are involved.
The best and most economical
route is sought.
Russell H. Mccain, commission
chairman, said that after the
estimates are received the cost
distribution among interested
groups will be discussed.
The consultants, Wilson Ballard
and Joseph Knoerle, Baltimore
engineers, now are working on
the final route for the National
pike (new Route 240), near the
District. This highway is under
construction between Frederick
and Upper Montgomery County.
The line has been fixed from
Frederick to the Germantown
road. at the intersection of Route
|118.
Alternate Routes Studied.
From there on into the Dis
trict, several alternate routes are
now under study. But it will be
three or four months before the
consultants are able to complete
their report to the commission.
they said yesterday.
Mr.. Mccain said the con-
sultants' report will be turned
over to the commissions engi-
neering staff for study. Then, II
both agree, the commission will
adopt the final route.
The Intercounty Freeway and
the National Pike are inter.
related and must be planned to.
gether.
Mr.. Mccain pointed out this
close relationship and said his
commission will consult with the
Virginia State Highway Commits
sion.
The Intercounty Freeway is be-
ing planned to encircle the Ma.
tional Capital. crossing the Poto-
mac River into Virginia. It would
use proposed new bridges near
and Cabin John and
link up with the Shirley Highway
in Virginia.
Location of the new bridges
across the Potomac is a key prob
lem in the suburban road-con-
Struction program. Mr.. Mccain
brought out that Virginia has a
vital part in the bridges and must
De consulted. New highways in
Virginia would be built to link UP
With the bridges and the Shirley
Highway, under the program.
Cooperation Stressed.
The National pike seeks to re-
ieve traffic on Route 240, between
Washington and Frederick.
Discussion brought out the need
or closer working arrangements
'etWeen the various planning
'roups and others concerned. Mr..
Mccain said periodic conferences
will be held to keep everybody ad-
Used. This will be done through
o-ordinating agencies, he said.
Mr.. Ballard said the National
bike must serve to drain local
raffic in the lower Montgomery
'ounty area. He pointed to the
of obtaining rightS-of-
1ay for the new construction in
he highly developed sections,
wing to high prices. The high
yay will cost around $40 million.
e explained.
He said the Cabin John and
liver road locations are among
hose being Studied to bring the
Iational pike into Washington.
Fred w. Tuemmler, director of
tanning of the Prince Georges
ounty regional Office of the
National Capital Park
nd Planning Commission, said
is commission is having difficulty
| appeasing subdividers who want
, know the location of the new
ighways.
McNayr Cites Delay.
Irving G. McNayr, Montgomery
ounty manager, pointed out con-
of schools is being de-
yed until plans are known.
Marshall Davis, vice chairman
the Upper Montgomery County
tanning Commission, complained
the delay. He said that, for
lree years, road surveying crews
ave been going over his land,
his crops.
John Nolen, jr., director of the
ational Capital Park and Plan
ng Commission, said his group
ready to re-examine problems
lating to new highways.