Michigan Notes

[TheHighwayMan3561]

Are end signs common in Michigan? I know they are common here in Wisconsin.

They are.

[Flint1979]

Are end signs common in Michigan? I know they are common here in Wisconsin.

It varies. Some have ENDS on top, some have END on the bottom, some say ENDS on the bottom, some say END on top.

Here's one for ya.
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5954255,-83.9531237,3a,15y,113.02h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sSufKO-5cem1yQ8bgUnwHwg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D0%26panoid%3DSufKO-5cem1yQ8bgUnwHwg%26yaw%3D113.02423453170357!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Same exit on the other side:
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5966951,-83.943156,3a,15y,289.91h,91.64t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1syQYHanCsivK-iD3p_-2Elg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-1.638171791798868%26panoid%3DyQYHanCsivK-iD3p_-2Elg%26yaw%3D289.91165376049145!7i16384!8i8192?coh=205410&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

[wanderer2575]

And some don't have END posted at all, which I find irritating -- especially when the numbered route ends but the physical road continues.

In Flint1979's first link ^ if you pull back a bit and look to the left, you will see the footing for a new overhead gantry.  I drove through there late Friday night; the new gantry and signs were up but no END US-10 assembly.  AAARRGHH!!  Maybe it's now posted on the other side of the bridge (I didn't continue through to look) but I'm not holding my breath.

[michiganguy123]

Some parts in Michigan have tons of Speed limit END signs as well. Maybe they'll increase the default speed limit higher than 55mph and these signs will have a purpose...

[GaryV]

Speed limit END signs as well. Maybe they'll increase the default speed limit higher than 55mph and these signs will have a purpose

They have a purpose now. If 45 mph ends, then the 55 mph default goes into effect, even if it's not signed.

[JCinSummerfield]

Some parts in Michigan have tons of Speed limit END signs as well. Maybe they'll increase the default speed limit higher than 55mph and these signs will have a purpose...

I've often wondered why they don't just post a Speed Limit 55 sign instead of the Speed Limit 45 Ends" in this situation.  The current setup is extra cost for the extra sign.

[rhen_var]

Some parts in Michigan have tons of Speed limit END signs as well. Maybe they'll increase the default speed limit higher than 55mph and these signs will have a purpose...

I've often wondered why they don't just post a Speed Limit 55 sign instead of the Speed Limit 45 Ends" in this situation.  The current setup is extra cost for the extra sign.

Well, they don't have to post periodic speed limit 55 signs further down the road.  So if the stretch of road is long enough it would actually save money.

[michiganguy123]

Some parts in Michigan have tons of Speed limit END signs as well. Maybe they'll increase the default speed limit higher than 55mph and these signs will have a purpose...

I've often wondered why they don't just post a Speed Limit 55 sign instead of the Speed Limit 45 Ends" in this situation.  The current setup is extra cost for the extra sign.

Well, they don't have to post periodic speed limit 55 signs further down the road.  So if the stretch of road is long enough it would actually save money.

In my experience they don't bother posting any sign and you just have to guess when it's 55mph.

[JREwing78]

Do YOU think you know the best answer to how to fund MDOT's activities? MDOT wants you to put your money where your mouth is. Specifically, they are hiring for a Fuel Tax Replacement Specialist, which is responsible for the research, development, and implementation of a replacement program for the existing fuel tax revenue.

More info: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/michigan/MDOT/jobs/4684788/departmental-specialist-13-fuel-tax-replacement-specialist-ruc-finance

[JREwing78]

MDOT commemorated the completion of the permanent replacement M-30 bridge over the Tobacco River (Wixon Lake) in Gladwin County. The previous bridge was catastrophically damaged from flooding in 2020 that resulted from heavy rains and an upstream dam failure. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WikADW9oiYg

SM-G991U

[wanderer2575]

MDOT commemorated the completion of the permanent replacement M-30 bridge over the Tobacco River (Wixon Lake) in Gladwin County. The previous bridge was catastrophically damaged from flooding in 2020 that resulted from heavy rains and an upstream dam failure. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WikADW9oiYg

Immediately followed by news of lane closures tomorrow (October 10th) to replace asphalt pavement on the south approach because it doesn't meet specifications.  The MDOT news release also indicates the contractor is absorbing the cost of the fix.

[wanderer2575]

MDOT is hosting an open house to present the latest regarding the US-23 improvement study in Washtenaw County.  It is Monday 10/21 at the Washtenaw Community College, between noon and 2:00pm and then between 4:00pm and 7:00pm.

According to this news release, MDOT is currently pursuing a new half-assed concept called Safely Connecting Communities.  You will not be surprised to learn the concept includes rebuilding the existing two lanes in each direction but not adding any, and what sounds to me like relatively minor reconfigurations of the Washtenw Avenue interchange and the ramp from wbd I-94 to nbd US-23.  A link to an online comment form is included on the news release.

[The Ghostbuster]

Maybe Ann Arbor will come to their senses and allow US 23 to be expanded to six lanes. And while we're at it, maybe I'll be crowned King of England.

[Flint1979]

The bridge over Wixom Lake on M-30 has re-opened. The lake is still empty but will be refilled once the dams are rebuilt.

[Flint1979]

Maybe Ann Arbor will come to their senses and allow US 23 to be expanded to six lanes. And while we're at it, maybe I'll be crowned King of England.

Just six lanes? It should be six lanes from I-75 in Flint to about M-59 and eight lanes south of there to US-12 then back to six lanes to M-50 then down to four lanes.

[KelleyCook]

Just six lanes? It should be six lanes from I-75 in Flint to about M-59 and eight lanes south of there to US-12 then back to six lanes to M-50 then down to four lanes.

Well sure that might work...

But then what about building trains ... or something else that will never happen.

[The Ghostbuster]

Given the stink that was raised over a six-lane expansion of US 23 in Ann Arbor, I'd be shocked if any expansion along the 23 corridor comes to fruition. I do like Flint1979's suggestion about expanding 23 north to Flint and south to M-50. Unfortunately, I'm one state to the west, and am not the ones Flint1979 would have to win over.