TURN-AROUNDS AND SECONDARY DRIVES

TURN-AROUNDS AND SECONDARY DRIVES When the garage, or service, is so located that a car must turn back after stopping at the front door in order to reach it, a turn-court or turn-around must be provided. This should be large enough so that even the longest car can turn easily. At present the turning radius of passenger cars is less than 56 feet, so that dimension can be considered as a maximum, with 40 feet as a minimum for a solidly paved court.

For a turn-around somewhat larger dimensions are used to permit the grass island in the center to be big enough to look well. If this grass plot is too small it becomes insignificant and silly. As the drive passes to the garage it should still travel in as straight a line as possible; but as speed will in all probability be less, the planting need not be quite so restricted. Screening groups of shrubs and evergreens to hide, or at least obscure, the garage and service from the front part of the house may be used.

Trees, too, are important here. If, as is sometimes the case, minor driveways lead off in this general vicinity, care must be observed inlaying them out. If traffic from both directions is about equal, they would best start at right angles to the main drive, and curve away to their destination later; if the traffic is predominantly from one direction, they follow this and merely leave room for a possible turn into the main drive in the opposite direction. The radius of this shorter turn ought not to be less than 40 feet, measured to the center of the drive. At the garage an ample turn-space is needed. A court 30 by 30 feet can be used by small cars, but 40 by so, or 49 up to 6o feet square, is better if space permits. In very restricted places a Y turn is the best solution, permitting backing around in the least possible space.The shape of the turn-court may be' varied from circular to square, or any other pleasing shape. Driveway construction 1


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