What is an Erwin Plan Road?
The Erwin and Donavan Plans were New York State programs to help fund construction of local highways before CHIPS (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program).
The Erwin Plan (The Ten Year Highway Improvement Act of 1950) allowed towns to obtain state aid for projects with 25 to 75 percent reimbursement up to $7,000 per mile. The minimum specifications for an Erwin Road were:
- Raising of the roadbed above grade
- Grading backslopes and eliminating brush
- Widening of the roadbed to at least 16 feet
- Surfacing of gravel or other suitable material to a depth of not less than 12 inches
- 5 foot shoulders
- Providing for adequate drainage
Overtime additional funds were added and the amount available per mile was increased.
Resources
NYSDOT Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program
