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 Appendix III.—REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ON HIGHWAYS FOR THE NATIONAL DEFENSE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC ROADS

March 11, 1949 1.—GENERAL

A. The Federal-aid Highway Act of 1948 (Public Law 834, 80th Cong.), among other things, directed the Commissioner of Public Roads to cooperate with the State highway departments in a study of the status of improvement of the National System of Interstate Highways and to invite the cooperation and suggestions of the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Resources Board as to their indicated or potential needs for improved highways for the national defense. Accordingly, the Commissioner of Public Roads requested the advice and recommendations of the National Military Establishment.

B. This report is confined to the over-all requirements. More complete details and specific requirements will be developed and coordinated as plans and requirements become firm.

C. The over-all highway needs of the National Military Establishment have been subdivided into eight general categories, each of which is defined and discussed separately, as follows:


 * (1) Connecting system of highways interstate in character.
 * (2) Urban arterial system.
 * (3) Defense service roads.
 * (4) Access roads.
 * (5) Installation roads.
 * (6) Excessive military damage to highways.
 * (7) Size and weight characteristics and movement of military vehicles.
 * (8) Highway maintenance.

D. Based on World War II experience, recommendations are made with the view to presenting suggestions as to a way in which the indicated needs could be provided for effectively and with the greatest economy.

E. In general, reference is made only to those needs which it is believed have a military significance that would not be provided for by the normal pattern of planning for and construction of highways to meet local peacetime civil needs.

2.—CONNECTED SYSTEM OF HIGHWAYS INTERSTATE IN CHARACTER

A. Definition

(1) The “connected system of highways interstate in character” as used in this report is composed of the National System of Interstate Highways and other highways of strategic importance. 113