‘M.T. Routes in Persia. Volume 1 – Main Routes. 1942’ [‎132v] (269/498)

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Route VII—Section D— contcl.
(d) From the tower there is another 4m. stretch of loose
sand that requires sand equipment. A large number
of vehicles would soon cut up the whole area and
increase the difficulties.
(e) After crossing the second bad stretch of sand the road
runs through broken country by a narrow track ex
cessively dusty and badly in need of repair as far as
BAM.
3. Climate. —During the months November to March it
is intensely cold at night and rain may cause temporary spates.
In summer the heat is so great as to hinder movement by day
and there is no shade for troops lying up; it is also liable to
cause tyre trouble. Local transport only moves by night during
summer, except across the sand which it does at dawn or dusk.
Severe sand storms are encountered in the LUT which
s eriously hinder visibility and cause over-heating of engines;
t hey may last a week.
4. Obstacles. —The only serious obstacles are the two
patches of soft deep sand mentioned in para. 2, between miles
134-136£ and 152-156.
These stretches can at present be crossed only with much
difficulty by small numbers of vehicles at a time.
If only a temporary route is required, a suitable crossing
could be made by using Army Track netting fixed over planking ;
Army Track would be difficult to anchor in the soft sand. If a
permanent route is required, a pukka road should be constructed,
either of soling and metalling or of sleepers. Local material is
non-existent; the nearest stone on the route is from the hills
about mile 84, or from BAM.
5. Alternative Routes. —There are two possible—
• (a) ZAHIDAN north along the MESHED road turning
west through TABAS direct to YEZD. This involves
a very wide detour.
(b) MIRJAWA (S. E of ZAHIDAN) south to KWASH*
thence to BAM. This is reported to be free of sand’
but it has not been used for some years, and no reliable
information on it is available.
6. Improvements and Maintenance.
(a) Work required to bring the route up to the standard
for regular traffic to the following specification :—
To be fit for occasional convoys of 50 to 100 loaded
5-ton lorries in all weathers.
Ruling gradient 1/20.
Width minimum of 16' between drains with passing
places at least every mile.