Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 March 1917 — MACADAM MUST GO [ARTICLE]

MACADAM MUST GO

Macadama roads must go. In fact, they are going all the time by degrees under the hard use of automobile traffic. Their first cost is not so much, but the experieijge of the past two years has clearly proven that they do not stand up and that their upkeep makes them among the most expensive highways that can be constructed. It is not that they ‘Tear down’’ * but that under the speed of automobiles, they “tear up” literally. That is to say, the swiftly whirling car -wheels loosen and raise the surface, and unless their construction is of the most substantial and expensive—far more so than can be expected—their upkeep is beyond reason. The highway of the future will have to be of concrete. It is tar more durable than macadam, smoother, and in the long run, much less expensive. But successful concrete construction requires a shitable foundation, smoo,th, hard surface, and the necessary crown ■to insure quick drainage. These being secured the expenditure for maintenance is trifling and the amount saved by its durability can easily be turned into a sinking fund for a constantly increasing concrete mileage. - Automobile Dealer and Repairer.