OFFICE OF PUBLIC ROADS. 865 



lack oi maintenance; and others in flat country showed that the 

 drainage was insufficient. All showed that a <^eneral awakening of 

 interest has followed the construction of object-lesson roads and 

 county bond issues have generally followed. It is noticeable that 

 the sand-clav roads of South Carolina were not found altogether 

 satisfactory at the time of inspection in the winter of 1912. This 

 condition is thought to be due to the unusual climatic conditions 

 immediately following the construction of these roads. 



Manteca, Cal. — A bituminous macadam road with iisphaltic oil for a binder 

 was bnilt here in September, 190S, and inspected in February, 1912. This road 

 was found in first-class condition, with the exception of one or two holes. It 

 has an extensive traffic of light vehicles and is perfectly adapted to this class 

 of traffic, although no maintenance work has been done. There were no im- 

 proved roads in the locality previous to the construction of the object-lesson 

 road, but since that time 14 miles of similar roads have been built in the 

 immediate vicinity at a cost of $5,000 per mile. 



Stockton, Cal. — A crushed-stone road was built in this vicinity during the 

 summer of 190S and inspected in February, 1912. The road is in fair condition, 

 except for 1,200 feet, where water has affected the foundation, causing ruts 

 and depressions. The balance of the road does not receive proper maintenance. 

 It has been flooded at three different times, in such a way as to remove the 

 top dressing and oil, which have never been properly replaced. The metal 

 culverts are in good condition. During the greater part of the year the road 

 carries very heavy traffic, consisting of products hauled in narrow-tired wagons. 

 The road does not seem to be fully adapted to the class of traffic, as the founda- 

 tion is rather weak. The construction of this road has been a large factor in 

 bonding the county for building 2oS miles of road and has also shown the road 

 builders some difficulties to avoid in this locality. 



Palatka, Fla. — A sand-clay road was built here in April, 1910, and inspected 

 In February, 1912. The present condition of the road is fairly good, although 

 somewhat flat and badly rutted in places. The surface of the road has a ten- 

 dency to soften under heavy rains, thus showing an excess of clay. A deep 

 ditch has been excavated on one side to provide necessary drainage and the 

 road was well dragged until within a few months ago. Some portions have 

 been resurfaced with material containing too much clay, and $200 has been 

 expended on repairs and maintenance since the original work was done. The 

 road carries ordinary rural traffic and some automobile traffic, but the sand 

 obtainable is of very fine grain and, therefore, the road requires persistent 

 dragging. The indications are that the use of some different material, such as 

 gravel or shell, would be more suitable. Sixty miles of sand-clay road have 

 been built from a $100,000 bond issue, but there is not a single mile in first- 

 class condition at the present time. Failure to maintain is partly responsible. 



Talbotton, Ga. — A sand-clay road was built at this point in January, 1912, 

 and was inspected during the same month after being subjected to heavy rains. 

 The road was found to be very muddy and badly rutted. Further work should 

 be done with a better quality of sjind. 



Ames, Iowa. — A bituminous macadam road was built at Ames in October, 

 1910, and insjiected in November, 1911. The present condition is very good, 

 although there are slight breaks on the south side aiiout 3 feet from the curb, 

 which are thought to have been started during the construction. The road was 

 slightly dusty during the summer, probably owing to material carried from 

 adjoining roads. Nothing has been spent on maintenance. The traffic is light, 

 compared with city traffic. The road is located on the college campus. 



Berea, Ky. — A macadam road was built here in December. 1910. and inspected 

 In May, 1912. Just previous to applying bituminous material. The road was in 

 good condition, with the exception of a deposit of material from adjoining 

 streets and a depression of the crown caused by settlement over a center under- 

 draln. The travel is very heavy on this road, especially in the late fall and 

 early winter. 



Traverse City. Mich. — A m.-icadam road was built here In 1900 and in- 

 spected in May, 1912. In 1910 it was partly resurfaced with inferior gravel, but 



70481'— agb 1912 55 



