Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1955-03-25
Improvements
On Pentdgon
Roads Sought
Networks Transfer
To Virginia Awaits
81 Million Project


Congress will be asked to ap-
propriate 81 million for inn
provements to the Pentagon
road network in nearby Vir-
ginia so the $16.5 million sys-
tenn can be transferred to that
State for future maintenance.
The State Highway Commission
agreed at Richmond yesterday to
absorb the system by July l,
1856. 1t would include that por-
ton of Shirley highway from
Leesburg pike (Route . at
Alexandria to the Pentagon. Ap-
prevail was conditional upon the
Governments making the inn
provements.
Approves Road Projects
At the same time the COM
mission approved tentative al
locations totaling more than SAL
million for primary road con-
struction during the coming
fiscal year. This is an increase
of $50 million over the current
year. Final approval will be
given after two public hearings
in May.
The Federal Bureau of Pub
lie Roads asked the State to
assume responsibility for the
Pentagon network and the spe-
Gifted stretch of Shirley high
way. A spokesman for the bu-
reau said special legislation now
is being prepared for congress
sional appropriation of the adj
ditional 81 million.
9.8-Mile Network
The 9.8-mile Pentagon network
in Arlington County includes ex-
tensions of the Jefferson Davis
Highway, the Shirley Highway.
Washington Boulevard, Columbia
Pike and a short section of U. S.
l. The network would be decided
to the State in fee simple. 1t
was built during 1942-43 by the
Federal Government.
Improvements which the Fed
eral Government must make
fore transferring the roads to
Virginia would include WIDEN
ing. resurfacing and curb
work. placing of signs and
grade separation interchange
on Washington Boulevard at
the entrance to Fort Myer,
the addition of two lanes
to the Shirley Highway from the
| Pentagon network to Route 7
and the redesigning of separa-
ton structures to the weaving
lanes" leading to and from the
Shirley.
Major Projects Listed.
Here are some of the major
Metropolitan Area projects con-
templated (these do not include
some $33 million in secondary
road funds yet to be allocated):
An additional $350,000 to be
added to 100000 previously allo-
Gated for grade separations at
Seven Corners. The project will
cost about SIS million and con-
struction is not expected to begin
during the next fiscal year.
To match Federal funds for
ramp connecting Key Bridge
with the George Washington Me-
mortal Parkway, $104.000. The
House yesterday passed and sent
to the Senate an Interior Depart
ment appropriation bill making
$125, 1000 available for this work.
To widen Route 1913 tOld Lees
burg pike from Chain Bridge is
miles northward toward Langley
and the proposed site of the Cen
trail Intelligence Agency in Fair
fax County. 100000.
To dual-lane an additional Sec
ton of Route 236 Jackson Me-
mortal highway in Fairfax
County for is miles west of An
Mandate, $150,000. This eventu-
ally will be a dual lane highway
all the way from Alexandria to
Fairfax.
To Widen Intersection
To widen and improve inter-
section of Columbia pike and
Leesburg pike at Bailey's Cross
roads, $4,000.
To widen to four lanes Lee
highway from Glebe road east
ward to Old Dominion drive.
100000.
An additional 3 miles of dual
highway on Lee highway west
of Centreville to auckland.
$400, 900. to carry forward the
eventual dualization of the high
way from Washington to War;
renton.