The Mail-Journal, Volume 7, Number 14, Milford, Kosciusko County, 6 May 1970 — Page 22

Interstate System Seen as Traffic Life-Saver

Two Thirds of Network Complete, Will Eventually Link 50 Percent Os America’s Cities By F. Q TURNER Federal Highway Administrator With over two-thirds of the Interstate Highway System already open to traffic, the day is close when the 42,500-mile network of controlled-access roads is finished and its benefits can be enjoyed to the fullest. At the end of fiscal year 1969, 28,219 miles were in use. construction was taking place on another 5,259 miles, and preliminary engineering or right-of-way acquisition was under way on an additional 6,956 miles. Mileage opened totaled 67 percent, while some form of work was under way or completed on 40,434 miles —about 95 percent of the 42,500 miles.

Some $37.2 billion has been put to work on the system since the accelerated program began in 1956. Work completed cost $26.57 billion and work under way or authorized as of June 30. 1969, totaled $10.63 billion. The Federal share of the cost is 90 percent, financed by the Highway Trust Fund which is supported entirely by Federal road user taxes. Os the many user benefits stemming from the Interstate System, probably the most welcome and the most important is the saving of lives. For each five miles of the system opened to traffic, a life is saved duting each year thereafter. Because it is designed and built with primary interest for safety, the system is expected to save at least 8,300 lives annually once it is finished. Interstate travel Is more than twice as safe as on conventional roads replaced by the new IS routes. Although it constitutes only a bit more than 1 percent of the country's 3.7 million miles of roads and streets, the system will carry at least

/ Your "All-Weather" Auto Service Team START THE FUN TIME SUMMERTIME WITH OUR II | special 1 Wh a 71 CAR CARE IA Wi service ■ S2K i; >1 engine a 1 - Bp* tune 1-r necessary WIPERS BATTERY Seman Selesnew Cripe Bruce Well cluck ~m .nd n Richard Trammel Bob Bowser Richard Timmons Tim Robie A blade condition and We ll check for ’ Iwindshield washer full power and • Complete Air Conditioning Service » ■ tank fluid level see that water ts & TIQFQ proper * Engine Tune-Up • Oil Change • Lube IAI/* Pvr.rt-11 * Muffler and Tail Pipe Service • Safety Check *«d anTgeneuT* COOLING SYSTEM _ . o , . au u coition iB • 1 ire and Brake Check * Shock Absorbers Well make sure BRAKES jSIjirSSL PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS — QUALITY PARTS < TTZX level and that the cap, We'll check fluid level. i h^‘^« >nnecbons REASONABLE PRICES Ifhings, cylinders. ,re ,l « ht adjustment. sss? W. L Cutter Chevrolet, Inc. »?ied ~~ power Steefing **• correctly aimed Lubricate chassis, QHBU 1001 SO. HUNTINGTON ST. / SYRACUSE ®S£d

1 F. C. Turner 20 percent of all the nation’s traffic, and will link together more than 90 percent of America’s cities with populations of 50.000 or more. It has been estimated that when the system is finished, user benefits will total about $11.5 billion a year due to lower operating time, accident, and strain-of-driving costs.

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The nystem is providing a new mobility for the movement of people and goods. Business and vacation travel takes leas times than formerly. More recreational opportunities are accessible. Driving is more comfortable. Trucking operations are more efficient and deliveries are faster. Farm products are shipped more quickly and with less loss from spoilage. But of most benefit, it is truly a life saver. In 1968, an estimate submitted to Congress by the Federal Highway Administration fixed the cost of the

then-41,000-mile system at $56.5 billion, of which the the Federal share was $50.6 billion. But that same year, Congress increased the mileage from 41,000 to 42,500 to fill missing critical links between major cities. The cost of the system necessarily will rise, and a new estimate will be submitted to Congress in 1970. The I-system is a pay-as-you-go program. When it is finished it will be fully paid for with no long term indebtedness hanging over its future. Let the “other guy” know which way you plan to go. give him the signal.

Think About Those Other Five Cars At least five cars besides your own should concern you while driving. They are the one ahead, the one behind, the one approaching in the opposing lane, the one ready to enter from a side street, and the one parked at the curb. Be prepared for any of them to do anything without warning