Michigan Notes

[getemngo]

Has anybody else noticed that M-44's western terminus has been truncated once again to I-96, the same way it was from 1977-2003? This must have happened when East Beltline's signs were replaced last year.

The wide shields are definitely being rolled out beyond M-553 now. At last year's Battle Creek meet, we saw M-294 using 3-digit shields.

I have to wonder how consistently this is being done. Mind you, I would always preach that if you're going to do an "upgrade/update" such as this (replacing standard three-digit state route markers with the wide flavor), you should do it as the markers need replacing. I've always been frustrated when signs less than 1—2 years old get replaced for reasons like this.

When signs for M-222 at the US-131 interchange near Martin were replaced in the past year, the wide variant was used, but only on the off-ramps from the freeway. On M-222 itself, all M-222 reassurance markers are still the standard squares with FHWA Series B numerals. I've been keeping my eyes pealed for wide versions of the state route marker to start appearing elsewhere, but hadn't seen many other examples yet. I don't get over to the Thumb very often, so I appreciate hearing about the M-142 markers.

I noticed last weekend that M-179 is the same as M-222... only the signs on the US 131 off-ramps have been replaced with the wider variant.

[abefroman329]

I-196 south of Holland and I-69 south of Lansing would be suitable for 75, being (relatively) lightly trafficked and more modern design.

Agreed, I-196 is already 70 mph from 94 to Grand Rapids.

[captkirk_4]

I-196 south of Holland and I-69 south of Lansing would be suitable for 75, being (relatively) lightly trafficked and more modern design.

Agreed, I-196 is already 70 mph from 94 to Grand Rapids.

69 from 94 to the Indiana Stateline is quite empty, traffic already goes 75 there, don't see why that stretch doesn't get changed. 69 is always a pleasure to drive unlike the overcrowded 94.

[JREwing78]

MDOT FINALLY raised the truck speed limit on I-94 to 65. That won't cure all the problems with jamming 10,000+ commercial trucks per day onto a highway with 40,000+ passenger cars onto two travel lanes in each direction, but at least the trucks camping in the left lane seemed more likely to pass slower traffic at a snail's pace (instead of a glacial pace).

If the 75 mph limits go much like the hike from 65 to 70 went in the late '90's, I would expect most rural freeways to get the bump to 75 in the next couple years. I would expect urban sections to stay where they are at currently.

[JREwing78]

Tidbits from the 2018-2022 Long Range Plan: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_5_Year_Plan_2018-2022_602180_7.pdf

- 6-laning I-94 from Lovers Ln to Sprinkle Rd in Kalamazoo

- Work to rehab/reconstruct I-94 in Jackson to modern standards (with a weave/merge lane between Cooper St. and Elm St, but no other widening)

- Work to tie US-31 into I-94 at the current I-94 BL interchange location

- I-94 widening/modernization work in Detroit from I-96 east to Connor Ave (St)

- Continued I-75 widening north of Detroit

And, honestly, not much else beyond usual repair or reconstruction work.

[Flint1979]

There is no reason that I-94 shouldn't be six lanes from Ann Arbor to Benton Harbor. I've found that taking I-69 to the Indiana Toll Road then to the Skyway is a much easier ride than taking I-94 to Chicago.

[JREwing78]

There is no reason that I-94 shouldn't be six lanes from Ann Arbor to Benton Harbor. I've found that taking I-69 to the Indiana Toll Road then to the Skyway is a much easier ride than taking I-94 to Chicago.

Agreed. Widen US-131 to I-69 and M-60 to the current 6-lane east of Chelsea first, then widen I-196/US-31 to US-131, then I-69 to M-60.

Or, freeway bypass US-12 between New Buffalo and Ann Arbor, with freeway connectors along M-66 and US-127. That would be a perfect candidate for a tollway.

[Flint1979]

There is no reason that I-94 shouldn't be six lanes from Ann Arbor to Benton Harbor. I've found that taking I-69 to the Indiana Toll Road then to the Skyway is a much easier ride than taking I-94 to Chicago.

Agreed. Widen US-131 to I-69 and M-60 to the current 6-lane east of Chelsea first, then widen I-196/US-31 to US-131, then I-69 to M-60.

Or, freeway bypass US-12 between New Buffalo and Ann Arbor, with freeway connectors along M-66 and US-127. That would be a perfect candidate for a tollway.

That would be a pretty good idea right there. Just like US 23 between Flint and the Ohio border. Another one it's only a four mile stretch is I-75 between the US-23 split and Flint to I-475 south of Flint.

SAMSUNG-SM-J727A

[bessertc]

Has anybody else noticed that M-44's western terminus has been truncated once again to I-96, the same way it was from 1977-2003? This must have happened when East Beltline's signs were replaced last year.

Yep. I had updated the M-44 route listing on my site to show this change. But, since I have no idea what MDOT is considering to be the true western terminus of M-44, I've decided to show both the signed and M-11 termini as well as the two corresponding lengths of the route until I get some more definitive official information. I also modified my M-44 route map in a similar fashion.

I know quite a few people at the Grand Rapids MPO, MDOT, and the FHWA Michigan Division, but I still can't tell you where M-44 *officially* ends... 

Later, Chris

[Flint1979]

Has anybody else noticed that M-44's western terminus has been truncated once again to I-96, the same way it was from 1977-2003? This must have happened when East Beltline's signs were replaced last year.

Yep. I had updated the M-44 route listing on my site to show this change. But, since I have no idea what MDOT is considering to be the true western terminus of M-44, I've decided to show both the signed and M-11 termini as well as the two corresponding lengths of the route until I get some more definitive official information. I also modified my M-44 route map in a similar fashion.

I know quite a few people at the Grand Rapids MPO, MDOT, and the FHWA Michigan Division, but I still can't tell you where M-44 *officially* ends... 

Later, Chris

I think it ends at E. Beltline and 28th Street in Kentwood although it should just end at I-96 since M-37 joins it as a multiplex there and M-37 keeps going while M-44 ends at some point during the multiplex. It interchanges two state highways during the multiplex too (M-21 and M-11) and that connector route has always confused me.

[Flint1979]

One thing that I have always wondered is why does M-81 end at M-53 but a perfectly fine road continues to M-19? I just never understood why M-81 doesn't end at M-19. I mean I know it's only 8 miles from M-53 to M-19 but it would make sense.

[bessertc]

Has anybody else noticed that M-44's western terminus has been truncated once again to I-96, the same way it was from 1977-2003? This must have happened when East Beltline's signs were replaced last year.

Yep. I had updated the M-44 route listing on my site to show this change. But, since I have no idea what MDOT is considering to be the true western terminus of M-44, I've decided to show both the signed and M-11 termini as well as the two corresponding lengths of the route until I get some more definitive official information. I also modified my M-44 route map in a similar fashion.

I know quite a few people at the Grand Rapids MPO, MDOT, and the FHWA Michigan Division, but I still can't tell you where M-44 *officially* ends... 

I think it ends at E. Beltline and 28th Street in Kentwood although it should just end at I-96 since M-37 joins it as a multiplex there and M-37 keeps going while M-44 ends at some point during the multiplex. It interchanges two state highways during the multiplex too (M-21 and M-11) and that connector route has always confused me.

Well, until last year, the signs clearly showed M-44 continuing southerly with M-37 to a terminus at M-11/28th St, but when the signage was replaced, M-44 is now signed as ending at I-96 Exit 38, as it was signed from 1977 to 2003. Sure, I could "de-extend" or "retract" M-44's terminus back to its pre-2003 location on my website, but the darn thing has been such a yo-yo over the past few decades that I'm not sure MDOT has any idea of where they want the route to end. I was once told by a quasi-insider that the commentary on my website as to the "re-extension" of M-44 from I-96 south to M-11/28th St caught the ire of a few MDOTers and it eventually resulted the 2016 "un-re-extension" of M-44. I don't know how true that is, but I've been made aware of several state highway changes that directly came about because of me or my website (including me suggesting M-121 for Chicago Dr between Grandville and Zeeland), so I wouldn't be shocked if that happened as well...

[7/8]

Today I drove from through MI from Port Huron along I-69 up I-75 to Mackinaw City. It was interesting to note that some signs have been updated to 75 mph, while others are still stuck at 70 mph.

75 mph on I-69 near Port Huron


70 mph on I-69 close to Flint


70 mph on I-75 around Saginaw


75 mph on I-75 near Bay City

[Flint1979]

Has anybody else noticed that M-44's western terminus has been truncated once again to I-96, the same way it was from 1977-2003? This must have happened when East Beltline's signs were replaced last year.

Yep. I had updated the M-44 route listing on my site to show this change. But, since I have no idea what MDOT is considering to be the true western terminus of M-44, I've decided to show both the signed and M-11 termini as well as the two corresponding lengths of the route until I get some more definitive official information. I also modified my M-44 route map in a similar fashion.

I know quite a few people at the Grand Rapids MPO, MDOT, and the FHWA Michigan Division, but I still can't tell you where M-44 *officially* ends... 

I think it ends at E. Beltline and 28th Street in Kentwood although it should just end at I-96 since M-37 joins it as a multiplex there and M-37 keeps going while M-44 ends at some point during the multiplex. It interchanges two state highways during the multiplex too (M-21 and M-11) and that connector route has always confused me.

Well, until last year, the signs clearly showed M-44 continuing southerly with M-37 to a terminus at M-11/28th St, but when the signage was replaced, M-44 is now signed as ending at I-96 Exit 38, as it was signed from 1977 to 2003. Sure, I could "de-extend" or "retract" M-44's terminus back to its pre-2003 location on my website, but the darn thing has been such a yo-yo over the past few decades that I'm not sure MDOT has any idea of where they want the route to end. I was once told by a quasi-insider that the commentary on my website as to the "re-extension" of M-44 from I-96 south to M-11/28th St caught the ire of a few MDOTers and it eventually resulted the 2016 "un-re-extension" of M-44. I don't know how true that is, but I've been made aware of several state highway changes that directly came about because of me or my website (including me suggesting M-121 for Chicago Dr between Grandville and Zeeland), so I wouldn't be shocked if that happened as well...

Google Maps and Wikipedia both show M-44 ending at M-11/28th Street. It just doesn't make any sense to make a 4 mile multiplex with M-37 when M-44 just ends while multiplexed. Ending it at I-96 makes more sense and they could really use to remove the connector route.

[GaryV]

Today I drove from through MI from Port Huron along I-69 up I-75 to Mackinaw City. It was interesting to note that some signs have been updated to 75 mph, while others are still stuck at 70 mph.
// snip photos //

As I understood it, 75 mph was only going to apply to freeways north of US-10.  That's true for I-75. 

Then US-10 was signed for 75 mph - I guess it's north of itself   

They evidently decided that some portions of freeways south of US-10 can be at 75 mph, such as your I-69 example.

Anyone know where 75 mph starts on US-131 or US-127?

[Flint1979]

Today I drove from through MI from Port Huron along I-69 up I-75 to Mackinaw City. It was interesting to note that some signs have been updated to 75 mph, while others are still stuck at 70 mph.
// snip photos //

As I understood it, 75 mph was only going to apply to freeways north of US-10.  That's true for I-75. 

Then US-10 was signed for 75 mph - I guess it's north of itself   

They evidently decided that some portions of freeways south of US-10 can be at 75 mph, such as your I-69 example.

Anyone know where 75 mph starts on US-131 or US-127?

US-131 is 75 mph from M-57 to north of Manton a total of 95 miles.
US-127 is 75 mph from I-69 to St. Johns and then again from Ithaca to I-75.
The only part of I-69 between Lansing and Port Huron that isn't 75 mph is the stretch through Flint between Swartz Creek and the Genesee/Lapeer county line.
I-75 got the most of the 75 mph speed limit at 175 miles between Bay City and Mackinaw City.

[GaryV]

^ Don't forget the part of I-75 between St. Ignace and SSM.

I suspect what I heard of the "north of US-10" designation was from the metro-centric news reporting. I-75 was the only freeway of note to them that was getting 75 mph, so the definition for where 75 mph would be implemented on I-75 was how they reported it in general.

[Flint1979]

^ Don't forget the part of I-75 between St. Ignace and SSM.

I suspect what I heard of the "north of US-10" designation was from the metro-centric news reporting. I-75 was the only freeway of note to them that was getting 75 mph, so the definition for where 75 mph would be implemented on I-75 was how they reported it in general.

Yes that stretch too so it's 225 miles of I-75. Mine as well just say everything north of Bay City except the Mackinac Bridge.

[bessertc]

Has anybody else noticed that M-44's western terminus has been truncated once again to I-96, the same way it was from 1977-2003? This must have happened when East Beltline's signs were replaced last year.

Yep. I had updated the M-44 route listing on my site to show this change. But, since I have no idea what MDOT is considering to be the true western terminus of M-44, I've decided to show both the signed and M-11 termini as well as the two corresponding lengths of the route until I get some more definitive official information. I also modified my M-44 route map in a similar fashion.

I know quite a few people at the Grand Rapids MPO, MDOT, and the FHWA Michigan Division, but I still can't tell you where M-44 *officially* ends... 

I think it ends at E. Beltline and 28th Street in Kentwood although it should just end at I-96 since M-37 joins it as a multiplex there and M-37 keeps going while M-44 ends at some point during the multiplex. It interchanges two state highways during the multiplex too (M-21 and M-11) and that connector route has always confused me.

Well, until last year, the signs clearly showed M-44 continuing southerly with M-37 to a terminus at M-11/28th St, but when the signage was replaced, M-44 is now signed as ending at I-96 Exit 38, as it was signed from 1977 to 2003. Sure, I could "de-extend" or "retract" M-44's terminus back to its pre-2003 location on my website, but the darn thing has been such a yo-yo over the past few decades that I'm not sure MDOT has any idea of where they want the route to end. I was once told by a quasi-insider that the commentary on my website as to the "re-extension" of M-44 from I-96 south to M-11/28th St caught the ire of a few MDOTers and it eventually resulted the 2016 "un-re-extension" of M-44. I don't know how true that is, but I've been made aware of several state highway changes that directly came about because of me or my website (including me suggesting M-121 for Chicago Dr between Grandville and Zeeland), so I wouldn't be shocked if that happened as well...

Google Maps and Wikipedia both show M-44 ending at M-11/28th Street. It just doesn't make any sense to make a 4 mile multiplex with M-37 when M-44 just ends while multiplexed. Ending it at I-96 makes more sense and they could really use to remove the connector route.

Yes, both Google Maps and Wikipedia–as well as many other sources–have not yet been updated and/or corrected with the new information.

As is laid out on my M-44 route listing on the Michigan Highways website, M-44's western terminus has been:

• 1920—1957 — At US-131 at cnr Northland Dr & Belding Rd south of Rockford.
• 1957—1961 — At US-131 at cnr Wolverine Blvd & Belding Rd south of Rockford
• 1961—1977 — At M-11 at cnr East Beltline Ave-Broadmoor Ave & 28th St in Kentwood
• 1977—2003 — At I-96 at Exit 38 (jct I-96 & M-37) east of Grand Rapids
• 2003—2016 — At M-11 at cnr East Beltline Ave-Broadmoor Ave & 28th St in Kentwood
• 2016—Present — At I-96 at Exit 38 (jct I-96 & M-37) east of Grand Rapids

Historically, there is a reason for M-44 to continue southerly to M-11/28th St. Between 1962 and 1969, M-37 did not run along the East Beltline between 28th St and I-96–it turned westerly via M-11/28th St to US-131, then ran northerly through Grand Rapids to I-96 where it jogged west a short distance to Alpine Ave. So, M-44 was the state trunkline designation for the entire East Beltline Ave, from Plainfield Ave-Northland Dr southerly to 28th St from 1962—69. What isn't clear is why MDOT left the M-44 designation on East Beltline down to 28th St after 1969... was there a specific reason or just inertia on the part of the department?

[bulldog1979]

Yes, both Google Maps and Wikipedia–as well as many other sources–have not yet been updated and/or corrected with the new information.

As is laid out on my M-44 route listing on the Michigan Highways website, M-44's western terminus has been:

• 1920—1957 — At US-131 at cnr Northland Dr & Belding Rd south of Rockford.
• 1957—1961 — At US-131 at cnr Wolverine Blvd & Belding Rd south of Rockford
• 1961—1977 — At M-11 at cnr East Beltline Ave-Broadmoor Ave & 28th St in Kentwood
• 1977—2003 — At I-96 at Exit 38 (jct I-96 & M-37) east of Grand Rapids
• 2003—2016 — At M-11 at cnr East Beltline Ave-Broadmoor Ave & 28th St in Kentwood
• 2016—Present — At I-96 at Exit 38 (jct I-96 & M-37) east of Grand Rapids

Historically, there is a reason for M-44 to continue southerly to M-11/28th St. Between 1962 and 1969, M-37 did not run along the East Beltline between 28th St and I-96–it turned westerly via M-11/28th St to US-131, then ran northerly through Grand Rapids to I-96 where it jogged west a short distance to Alpine Ave. So, M-44 was the state trunkline designation for the entire East Beltline Ave, from Plainfield Ave-Northland Dr southerly to 28th St from 1962—69. What isn't clear is why MDOT left the M-44 designation on East Beltline down to 28th St after 1969... was there a specific reason or just inertia on the part of the department?

MDOT's Physical Reference Finder mapping application currently shows East Beltline south of I-96 as M-44. The Grand Rapids inset on the recent State Transportation Maps (2016, 2017) do not label that segment of highway with any markers, but the 2015 edition does label it with both M-37 and M-44 markers.

[bessertc]

MDOT's Physical Reference Finder mapping application currently shows East Beltline south of I-96 as M-44. The Grand Rapids inset on the recent State Transportation Maps (2016, 2017) do not label that segment of highway with any markers, but the 2015 edition does label it with both M-37 and M-44 markers.

Yes, but MDOT has been known for their less-than-perfect mapping in recent times–the PR Finder maps and, now, mapping application, are no different. For example, the current iteration of the online PR Finder has eliminated the segment of former BL I-94/M-37 (Skyline Dr) in Battle Creek between Hill Brady Rd and M-96/Dickman Rd, but does not show that segment's replacement along Columbia Ave between Skyline and Helmer. Also, the now fully-signed M-5 along Grand River Ave in Detroit into downtown is still shown as an unsigned trunkline, among other errors. I work with the data used in the apps and I know a lot of its shortcomings... and I know that most of the people involved in these apps (and other state-level mapping) don't generally have the time or inclination to make sure they're as accurate as possible. On top of that, for MDOT's purposes, East Beltline ave between I-96 and 28th St in Grand Rapids is a trunkline highway and aside from signage replacement contracts every decade or two, the route number on the highway is the last thing the department worries about–for better or worse... which may help explain my approach to the western terminus on the M-44 route listing on the Michigan Highways website. 

In the end, all M-44 signs along East Beltline Ave south of I-96 at Exit 38 were removed in 2016 and that's gotta say something!

[ftballfan]

I wonder if M-44 was planned at one time to continue down Broadmoor to M-6 (with M-37 being rerouted to follow I-96 and M-6 around the Beltline/Broadmoor). M-6 had just opened in 2003 and there is a particularly nasty lane crossover on EB 96 for traffic to stay on SB 37

[Terry Shea]

I wonder if M-44 was planned at one time to continue down Broadmoor to M-6 (with M-37 being rerouted to follow I-96 and M-6 around the Beltline/Broadmoor). M-6 had just opened in 2003 and there is a particularly nasty lane crossover on EB 96 for traffic to stay on SB 37

Unlikely.  That would add considerable length (probably about double) to that segment of M-37.  That section of I-96/I-196/M-37/M-44 is getting a fix.  It should be done about 3999.

[ftballfan]

I wonder if M-44 was planned at one time to continue down Broadmoor to M-6 (with M-37 being rerouted to follow I-96 and M-6 around the Beltline/Broadmoor). M-6 had just opened in 2003 and there is a particularly nasty lane crossover on EB 96 for traffic to stay on SB 37

Unlikely.  That would add considerable length (probably about double) to that segment of M-37.  That section of I-96/I-196/M-37/M-44 is getting a fix.  It should be done about 3999.

According to Google Maps, I-96 -> M-6 -> M-37 is quicker than I-96 -> M-37 between I-96 and Caledonia.

[Terry Shea]

I wonder if M-44 was planned at one time to continue down Broadmoor to M-6 (with M-37 being rerouted to follow I-96 and M-6 around the Beltline/Broadmoor). M-6 had just opened in 2003 and there is a particularly nasty lane crossover on EB 96 for traffic to stay on SB 37

Unlikely.  That would add considerable length (probably about double) to that segment of M-37.  That section of I-96/I-196/M-37/M-44 is getting a fix.  It should be done about 3999.

According to Google Maps, I-96 -> M-6 -> M-37 is quicker than I-96 -> M-37 between I-96 and Caledonia.

May very well be, but it's still about twice as long, and many state routes could be eliminated, in part or in whole, if time was the only consideration.  For Instance, anyone travelling from Grandville to Zeeland is going to opt for I-196 over M-121 if time is the only factor.  So why does M-121 exist?