STATE MOTOR ROADS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 128, 24 February 1938, Page 12

STATE MOTOR ROADS

Construction In Germany

In 1933 the entire network of roads and highways in Germany was placed under single management of an inspector-general of highways. Dr. Fritz Todd was appointed to the post and invested with almost dictatorial powers, deriving his authority from the Fuehrer, Herr Hitler. Both the original plan to construct a system of Reich motor roads, and its subsequent execution are due to the initiative of the Fuehrer. For the first part of the plan the Reich Government made provision for the construction of a network totalling 4370 miles which was to be completed in ten years. Work was commenced in 1933, and the Fuehrer himself turned the first sod at Frankfurt-on-Main. The actual construction is being done by the Reich Motor Roads Company, a subsidiary of the German State Railways. At the close of the year 1937, 1250 miles were open to the public, and a further 1250 miles were under construction. The work is giving employment to about 250,000 German workmen, including those employed in the roadbuilding material and road-building machinery industries, and the clothing and subsistence industries which provide necessaries for this great army of labourers. About 500 million Reichsnjarks flow annually into the channels of German industry and business from the contracts which have been awarded in connection with this project.

The first sections of the motor road, about 19 miles each, were completed in the spring of 1985 near Frankfurt ami Munich. During 1930 the first 625 miles were opened to the public. During 1937 the second 625 miles were finished. The schedule calls for the completion of 625 miles yearly. The planning of the Reich motor roads does not follow a uniform pattern. but conforms everywhere to local traffic conditions and geographical surroundings. The main routes have a width of 78 feet, divided into two roadways, 25 feet wide, and separated by a 16-foot strip which will be planted with a hedge. A 6-foot grass verge edges the road on either side. For the further extension of international overland traffic the network of/the Reich motor highways, situated as it is in the very heart of Europe, is expected to prove to be of the greatest significance.