Michigan Highways: County-Designated A-2 through C-81

Intercounty Highway Routes A-2 through C-81

A-2 | A-37 | A-42 | A-45 | B-15 | B-23 | B-31 | B-35 | B-72 | B-86 | B-96 | C-38 | C-42 | C-48 | C-56 | C-58 | C-64 | C-65 | C-66 | C-71 | C-73 | C-77 | C-81 | Jump to Bottom

See the Intercounty Highways page for complete details and historical background on Michigan's County-Designated Highway System.

Southern Terminus:

M-63 near Hagar Shores (½ mile west of jct I-196/US-31 & M-63)

Northern Terminus:

Jct US-31 & BL I-196/BUS US-31 (at US-31's Exit 47) on the south side of Holland

Length:

41.488 miles

Map:

Route Map of A-2

Notes:

A-2 was one of the first two Intercounty Highways in Michigan in 1971, at a time when all such highways in the Lower Peninsula were to have an "A-" suffix and those in the Upper Peninsula were to have a "B-" suffix. While a multi-lettered system was adopted (A-F in the Lower Peninsula, G and H in the U.P), A-2 kept its original designation as it fell into the new "A-" territory.

A-2, which runs along the route of Old US-31, is also known as Blue Star Memorial Hwy for its entire length.

History:

1970 – As one of the first two county-designated routes in the state, A-2 is signed via the former route of US-31 (the Blue Star Hwy) from BL I-196 at North Shore Dr north of South Haven to jct US-31 & BUS US-31 on the south side of Holland.

1971 – A-2 is extended southerly via the former route of US-31 from jct M-140 & BL I-196 south of South Haven to US-33 in northern Berrien Co.

1971 (Nov)

– According to one internal MDOT document, the Blue Star Hwy bridge spanning the Kalamazoo River between Saugatuck and Douglas was not transferred to local control when the rest of Blue Star Hwy was at the end of July 1964, but rather ownership was retained by the Dept fof State Highways. However, in November 1971, the bridge is finally transferred to local control.

1971 (Dec 4)

– While originally planned to be completed in 1972, the Phoenix St reconstruction and the new Phoenix Rd interchange on I-196/US-31 (present-day Exit 20) is completed and opened to traffic, albeit without most route and directional signage due to an ongoing steel suppliers' strike. As the new signs are erected, though, this marks the transition of BL I-196 off the Blue Star/North Shore alignment and onto the La Grange–Phillips–Broadway–Phoenix route. The concurrent M-140 route markers between I-196/US-31 and M-43/Phillips St are likely removed, leaving just the BL I-196 designation, and M-43 signs are taken down from the portions of Phillp St and Broadway now part of BL I-196. The former route of BL I-196 along North Shore Dr from M-140 to North Shore Dr and North Shore from Blue Star easterly to I-196/US-31 is retained as an unsigned state trunkline route for the time being.

1996 (Apr 1)

– A full 25 years after it ceased to be part of the routing of BL I-196 at South Haven, the unsigned trunkline portion of A-2/Blue Star Hwy from M-140 northeasterly and northerly past South Haven to North Shore Dr and the portion of North Shore Dr between Blue Star Hwy and I-196/US-31 is cancelled as a state trunkline route turned back to local control. The 2.76-mile segment of A-2/Blue Star Hwy from M-140 south of South Haven to the Van Buren/Allegan Co line is transferred to the Van Buren Co Road Commission, while the 0.802-mile portion of A-2/Blue Star Hwy from the county line north to North Shore Dr and North Shore Dr from Blue Star easterly to I-196/US-31 at Exit 22 is turned back to the Allegan Co Road Commission.

2004 – In conjunction with a runway extension project at Holland's Tulip City Airport, the route of A-2 past the western end of the airport is realigned and depressed underneath the new runway in a cut-and-cover tunner project. While highway tunnels under airport runways are not unheard of, one for such a secondary route in a small city such as Holland is quite rare!

Counties:

Berrien | Van Buren | Allegan

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Southern Terminus:

M-222 in Allegan, just northeast of downtown

Northern Terminus:

I-196/Gerald R Ford Frwy at Exit 62 in Hudsonville

Length:

23.153 miles

Map:

Route Map of A-37

Notes:

Contrary to many Ottawa County road maps, including the Ottawa Co Road Commission's own official highway map, A-37 does not continue northerly via 24th Ave from Byron Rd into Jamestown, then westerly via Riley St to 32nd Ave before turning northerly to Hudsonville. In reality (and as signed in the field), A-37 turns westerly from 24th Ave via Byron Rd for one mile before heading northerly again via 32nd Ave.

The route of A-37 in Allegan Co, and to a certain extent in Ottawa Co, is very well-signed. Directional plates (e.g. "NORTH" and "SOUTH") are almost universally used, which is not common in all counties which participate in the Intercounty Highway system.

History:

1977 – The route from Allegan through Burnips to Hudsonville (30th St in Allegan Co and 24th Ave, Byron Rd & 32nd Ave in Ottawa Co) debuts as A-37.

Counties:

Allegan | Ottawa

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

M-40 just north of Dunningville

Eastern Terminus:

Jct US-131 & M-179 near Bradley

Length:

16.433 miles

Map:

Route Map of A-42

Notes:

On October 1, 1998, the portion of A-42 from US-131 near Bradley easterly to M-43 west of Hastings was transferred from county to state control as a part of the short-lived Rationalization process. On April 7-8, 1999, MDOT erected M-179 markers along that portion of the highway, numbered to reflect its proximity to nearby M-79 east of Hastings. In fact, evidence shows MDOT originally planned to designate this route as a westerly extension of M-79 itself, but was reluctant to post a triple-concurrency (M-37/M-43/M-79) through the City of Hastings.

The route of A-42 is very well-signed. Directional plates (e.g. "EAST" and "WEST") are almost universally used, which is not common in all counties which participate in the Intercounty Highway system.

History:

1982 – The east-west route from A-37 south of Monterey in Allegan Co easterly through Hopkins and Bradley to M-43 west of Hastings in Barry Co (via 128th Ave, 12th St & 129th Ave in Allegan Co and Chief Noonday & Gun Lake Rds in Barry Co) is designated as A-42.

c.1993-94 – A-42 is extended westerly from its former terminus at A-37 north of Allegan to M-40 northwest of Allegan.

1998 (Oct 31) – As one of the relatively few jurisdictional transfers as part of the short-lived Rationalization process, all of county-maintained A-42 between US-131 at Bradley and M-43 west of Hastings is transferred to the state and designated as M-179. A-42 remains in tact between M-40 northwest of Allegan and US-131 near Bradley.

County:

Allegan

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Southern Terminus:

BUS US-131 north of Kalamazoo at Douglas St interchange

Northern Terminus:

M-11 (at cnr 28th St & Division Ave) in Wyoming

Length:

42.488 miles

Map:

Route Map of A-45

Notes:

A-45 runs along the former route of US-131 between the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids metropolitan areas.

While rather well-signed in Allegan Co, A-45 in Kalamazoo and Kent Counties is less well-signed. The Kent County Road Commission has only placed on route marker along the portion of A-45 under its control. In addition, the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have never signed their portion of Division Ave, while the official state map shows A-45 continuing northerly to M-11/28th St. Future cooperation from municipal governments will, hopefully resolve situations such as these.

History:

1972 – The former route of US-131 from BUS US-131 north of Kalamazoo northerly through Plainwell, Martin, Bradley, Wayland and Cutlerville into the Greater Grand Rapids area to M-11/28th St is designated as A-45. This new route runs via Douglas Ave in Kalamazoo Co; 10th, 11th & 12th Sts in Allegan Co; and S Division Ave in Kent Co.

Counties:

Kalamazoo | Allegan | Kent

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Southern Terminus:

Jct BUS US-31 & B-23 north of Montague (at Fruitvale Rd interchange on US-31)

Northern Terminus:

Monroe Rd (former BUS US-31) three miles southeast of Pentwater

Length:

35.114 miles

Map:

Route Map of B-15

Notes:

B-15 runs much closer to Lake Michigan than any state trunkline in the Oceana County area, and is often used as a scenic alternative.

It is unclear why B-15 was given such a high route designation—"15"—in that over much of its route, the highway is the closest primary county road to Lake Michigan. In the "B-region," the lowest odd-numbered routes run along the Lake Michigan shore, increasing as you head inland toward US-127. Indeed, B-15 could have easily been designated B-01, B-03 or B-05.

History:

1971 – A new route, running closer to the Lake Michigan shore than US-31, is designated from US-31 north of Montague westerly and northerly into Oceana Co, past Silver Lake and terminating at BUS US-31 near Pentwater. The route runs via Fruitvale, Whitbeck, Meinert & Indian Bay Rds in Muskegon Co; and 56th Ave, Webster Rd, 48th Ave, Clay Rd, 38th Ave, 36th Ave, Stony Lake Rd, Scenic Dr, 16th Ave, Buchanan Rd, 18th Ave, Scenic Dr, Hazel Rd, 34th Ave, Ridge Rd & Long Branch Rd in Oceana Co.

1975 – The central portion of B-15 is rerouted to an alignment closer to the lakeshore in Oceana Co south of Stony Lake. The route is removed from 48th Ave, Clay Rd, 38th Ave, 36th Ave and Stony Lake Rd and moved onto Webster Rd and Scenic Dr.

Counties:

Muskegon | Oceana

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Southern Terminus:

US-31 (Russell Rd interchange) north of North Muskegon

Northern Terminus:

B-86 northeast of Whitehall/Montague

Length:

10.573 miles

Map:

Route Map of B-23

Notes:

B-23 is a single-county route.

History:

1971 – One in a slew of Muskegon Co-based county-designated routes from the program's first full year, B-23 is designated along Russell Rd from US-31 south of Lakewood Club northerly to Fruitvale Rd, itself newly-designated as B-86 northeast of Whitehall/Montague, northeast of Whitehall.

County:

Muskegon

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

I-96 at Exit 10 at Nunica

Eastern Terminus:

M-120 at Brunswick

Length:

25.181 miles

Map:

Route Map of B-31

Notes:

B-31 between M-46 and M-120 was formerly a state trukline highway designated M-213, from the mid-1930s until 1960.

In its northernmost portion, B-31 travels along the Muskegon/Newaygo Co line and is, therefore, listed as being in both counties below.

History:

1971 – One in a slew of Muskegon Co-based county-designated routes from the program's first full year, B-31 is designated northerly from I-96 at Nunica via 112th Ave in Ottawa Co and Maple Island Rd in Muskegon Co and, farther to the north, straddling the Muskegon/Newaygo Co line.

Counties:

Ottawa | Muskegon | Newaygo

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Southern Terminus:

I-96 at Exit 16 in (68th Ave interchange) Coopersville

Northern Terminus:

M-82 approximately 4-1/2 miles south of Fremont

Length:

30.999 miles

Map:

Route Map of B-35

Notes:

The route of B-35 is rather well-signed in Ottawa and Muskegon Cos, but rather poorly signed in Newaygo Co. Not only that, while MDOT signs B-35 well from I-96 and M-46, it fails to post any route markers at the northern terminus of B-35 along M-82.

History:

1971 – One of several county-designated routes in the Muskegon/Newaygo Co area designated in the first full year of that program, B-35 begins at I-96 on the western edge of Coopersville and proceeds northerly via 68th Ave, easterly via Cleveland St and northerly again via 56th St in Ottawa Co. In Muskegon Co, B-35 continues northerly via Ravenna Rd (William, Main & Mortimer Sts within Ravenna itself), easterly via Bailey Rd and northerly along Squires Rd. In Newaygo Co, B-35 runs via Alger Ave, 128th St, Luce Ave, 118th St and Warner Ave via Bridgeton, terminating at M-82 three miles south of downtown Fremont.

Counties:

Ottawa | Muskegon | Newaygo

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

US-31 (Sherman Blvd interchange) in Muskegon Heights

Eastern Terminus:

US-131 at Exit 101 (connection w/M-57) four miles south of Cedar Springs

Length:

35.275 miles

Map:

Route Map of B-72

Notes:

In essence, B-72 picks up where M-57 leaves off, serving as a connection with Sparta and Ravenna, and as an alternate route into Muskegon.

During its trip through Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, the route of B-72 is very well signed and easy for motorists to follow, while somewhat less route signage is present in Kent Co.

History:

1971 – B-72 debuts between Muskegon and the "Cedar-Rock" area in northern Kent Co via Ravenna and Sparta. Beginning at US-31 on the southeast side of Muskegon, B-72 runs easterly via Sherman Blvd, Black Creek Rd and Heights-Ravenna Rd into Ravenna, where the route follows Muskegon, Main & William Sts. Continuing southerly from Ravenna concurrently with B-35 along Ravenna Rd, B-72 then turns easterly again via Ellis Rd (Muskegon Co), Gooding St (Ottawa Co) and 13 Mile Rd (Kent Co) and into Sparta. Within Sparta, the route runs via Division St then continues easterly via 13 Mile Rd, northerly via Edgerton Ave and easterly again via 14 Mile Rd, terminating at the new northern end of the US-131 freeway extending northerly from Grand Rapids.

Counties:

Muskegon | Ottawa | Kent

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

Jct BUS US-31 & B-15 north of Montague (at Fruitvale Rd interchange on US-31)

Eastern Terminus:

Jct M-120 & M-82 five miles west of Fremont

Length:

17.316 miles

Map:

Route Map of B-86

Notes:

In a sense, B-86 serves as a westerly extension of M-82, as the route picks up where M-82 leaves off and continues westerly to US-31.

In its easternmost portion, B-86 travels along the Muskegon/Oceana Co line and is, therefore, listed as being in both counties below.

History:

A detailed route history is currently under development.

Counties:

Muskegon | Oceana

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

M-37 northeast of Bitely

Eastern Terminus:

US-131 at Exit 142 (connection w/BUS US-131) northwest of Big Rapids

Length:

16.322 miles

Map:

Route Map of B-96

Notes:

With the redesignation of B-88 as a relocation of M-20, B-96 remains Newaygo and Mecosta Counties only east-west County-Desigated Highway. If the Newaygo and Mecosta County Road Commissions get together, a new county designation, such as B-90 or B-92 could very well be assigned to the former M-20 between M-37 and US-131. However, seeing as no extra funding exists for such a project and inter-county cooperation can be hard to come by, don't expect any such designation soon...

The route of B-96 is rather sparsely signed along its route. Other than signs at either end of the route at M-37 and US-131, only one pair of B-96 reassurance markers exist along 13 Mile Rd at Oak Ave in northern Newaygo Co.

History:

A detailed route history is under development.

Counties:

Newaygo | Mecosta

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

Downtown Mancelona at jct US-131 & M-88

Eastern Terminus:

Jct Old 27 & F-38 in the Otsego Lake area north of Waters

Length:

18.739 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-38

Notes:

While county routes C-38 and F-38 are essentially one through highway, they have different letter prefixes for a good reason: Old US-27 (OLD-27) is the dividing line between the "C" and "F" designations in Northern Michigan.

C-38 is known as Mancelona Rd for its entire length, named as such in both Antrim and Otsego Counties.

History:

A detailed route history is under development.

Counties:

Antrim | Otsego

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

US-131 in downtown Alba

Eastern Terminus:

M-32 west of Gaylord

Length:

13.129 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-42

Notes:

In the late-1980s, C-42 and F-42 route markers were added to M-32 and BL I-75 marker assemblies through the City of Gaylord attempting to signify a connection between C-42 west of Gaylord and F-42 southeast of Gaylord via M-32 and BL I-75. Many of these signs existed into the late-1990s, but have been removed in subsequent re-signing projects.

C-42 is becoming an ever more-popular "shortcut" route between US-131 and I-75 for motorists heading "Up North" from the Grand Rapids and Cadillac areas bound for the Mackinac Bridge and the Upper Peninsula. Traffic volumes on this highway have been increasing over the years.

History:

A detailed route history is under development.

Counties:

Antrim | Otsego

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

US-31 at Atwood

Eastern Terminus:

I-75 at Exit 290 (Old 27 interchange) in Vanderbilt [uncertain--see the second note in the "Notes" section below]

Length:

39.714 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-48

Notes:

Depending on how one looks at it, there may be a very short gap in C-48 between M-75 just west of Boyne Falls and US-131 on the north side of town. However, MDOT has erected numerous signs along M-75 and US-131 directing C-48 traffic along those highways through Boyne Falls.

There is some question as to the precise eastern terminus for this highway. While the most trusted maps indicate C-48 turning southerly via Old 27 to end at I-75 at Vanderbilt, acutal signage in the area proves inconclusive (although, that seems to be the case more than not). Even MDOT fails to include C-48 route markers on its Exit 290 signage along I-75.

A story in the September 18, 2005 edition of the Traverse City Record-Eagle notes local officials from municipalities in southwest Charlevoix and northwest Antrim counties are interested in petitioning MDOT to extend M-32 westerly from East Jordan through the Ellsworth area to US-31 near Atwood, once again restoring the route as a true "cross-peninsular" highway. Some of the officials are considering asking MDOT to assume control of what is now designated C-48, however the route is currently not up to state trunkline standards throughout, so additional upgrades would be necessary before it could receive the M-32 designation. The article also noted: "Five local governments in Antrim and Charlevoix counties passed resolutions in favor of M-32's extension, with another three expected to take up the issue soon."

History:

A detailed route history is under development.

Counties:

Antrim | Charlevoix | Otsego

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

US-31 just northeast of Charlevoix

Eastern Terminus:

Downtown Boyne City at M-75 (cnr of Water & East Sts)

Length:

15.625 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-56

Notes:

This route follows the northern shore of Lake Charlevoix between Charlevoix and Boyne City.

Contrary to some maps and other publications, it is C-56 which occupies Charlevoix-Boyne City Rd between Charlevoix and Horton Bay. A few sources incorrectly claim the C-71 designation bends west at Hortons Bay instead of ending there.

Oddly enough, MDOT has chosen to concurrently sign C-56 along two blocks of M-75 in downtown Boyne City. C-56 enters the downtown area via Lake St, then turns easterly via State St for two blocks to meet M-75 at the cnr of State & East Sts. Instead of terminating here, MDOT signs both M-75 & C-56 southerly via East St for two additional blocks to Water St, where C-56 terminates and M-75 turns southeasterly toward Boyne Falls.

History:

A detailed route history is under development.

County:

Charlevoix

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

C-81/Division Rd (cnr Mitchell Rd & Division Rd) east of Petoskey

Eastern Terminus:

I-75 at Exit 301 east of downtown Wolverine

Length:

21.606 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-58

Notes:

Known at Mitchell Rd (Emmet Co) and Wolverine Rd (Cheboygan Co) for its entire length, except within the Village of Wolverine.

As with other county highways, there has been some question as to the precise western terminus for this highway. Although C-58 should logically continue west on Mitchell Rd/St to end at US-31 in downtown Petoskey, the city has not erected any C-58 markers, nor has MDOT along US-31 at the Mitchell St intersection. West of the C-81 jct east of Petoskey, all C-58 route markers taper off, suggesting C-81 is the de facto western terminus for this route. Once again, poor signage is a hallmark of the Intercounty Highway system, so a lack of signage doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of a designation, but for the purposes of this site, C-81 has been chosen as the western terminus.

History:

A detailed route history is currently under development.

Counties:

Emmet | Cheboygan

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

US-31 (at cnr Mill St & Simpson St) in Pellston

Eastern Terminus:

M-27/Straits Hwy just south of Cheboygan

Length:

16.277 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-64

Notes:

History:

A detailed route history is currently under development.

Counties:

Emmet | Cheboygan

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Southern Terminus:

M-88 just north of the Village of Central Lake (cnr Ellsworth Rd & Scenic Hwy)

Northern Terminus:

US-31 (cnr Bridge St & Marion Center Rd) on the south side of Charlevoix, immediately west of the US-31 & M-66 jct.

Length:

16.978 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-65

Notes:

The rather convoluted northern end of C-65 was finally "fixed" in c.2003 when Marion Center Rd was extended northerly from Stover Rd to its own intersection with US-31 just west of the M-66 jct.

History:

A detailed route history is under development.

Counties:

Antrim | Charlevoix

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Western Terminus:

Jct M-119 & C-66/C-77 in Cross Village (cnr State Rd & Lake Shore Dr)

Eastern Terminus:

Jct US-23 & M-27 (cnr State St & Main St) in downtown Cheboygan

Length:

28.097 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-66

Notes:

C-66 provides a handy east-west route across northern Emmet and Cheboygan Counties, connecting with I-75 as well.

History:

A detailed route history is under development.

Counties:

Emmet | Cheboygan

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Southern Terminus:

C-56 at cnr Horton Bay Rd & Charlevoix-Boyne City Rd in Horton Bay

Northern Terminus:

US-31 at cnr Horton Bay Rd in Bay Shore

Length:

5.030 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-71

Notes:

C-71 is the only north-south route-numbered highway of any type between US-31 and US-131 north of C-56.

History:

A detailed route history is currently under development.

Counties:

Charlevoix | Emmet

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Southern Terminus:

M-32 (at cnr Deer Lake Rd) 4.6 miles west of US-131

Northern Terminus:

M-75 at cnr East Jordan Rd & Division St in southeastern Boyne City

Length:

8.118 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-73

Notes:

Bucking the trend of poor signage when it comes to County-Designated Highways, there is actually a route marker assembly at the northern end of this route denoting "C-73 ENDS." A rarity for this type of highway, indeed.

History:

A detailed route history is under development.

Counties:

Antrim | Charlevoix

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

Southern Terminus:

M-119 at cnr Park St & E Main st on the east side of Harbor Springs

Northern Terminus:

Cross Village at jct M-119 & C-66/C-77 (cnr State Rd & Lake Shore Dr)

Length:

16.703 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-77

Notes:

Outside the City of Harbor Springs, C-77 is known as State Rd for its entire route. Within the City of Harbor Springs, C-77 follows, from north to south, State St, E Lake St, and a roadway sometimes denoted as "Park Ln" on maps but signed as part of E Lake St in the field.

C-77 is the "direct" route between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, while scenic M-119 ("The Tunnel of Trees") is the less-direct, tourist-laden shoreline route. Locals prefer C-77.

As of 2022 (and for many years prior), there is no C-77 route marker turn signage on southbound C-77/State St at Lake St in Harbor Springs informing C-77 traffic that the route turns to the east onto Lake St. Similarly, signage at the northern and of C-77 makes it difficult to truly pinpoint the northern end of the route for motorists.

History:

1971 – A new Intercounty Highway route linking Harbor Springs with Cross Village is designated along State Rd, running roughly parallel to M-131 (present-day M-119) to the east, serving as an effective alternate to that highway.

History:

1986 (Feb 18)

– The Emmet County Lakeshore Property Owners Association (ECLPOC) officially requests that MDOT erect signs along M-119 noting that C-77 is the "direct route" to Cross Village after an increase in traffic and accidents along M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. While the association requested the Emmet Co Road Commission and MDOT designate M-119 as a "scenic highway," MDOT officials note there is currently no scenic highway designation at this point but are starting to study what might go into such a designation. Local media reports note the "association wishes to use signs to divert traffic from M-119 to State Street, or C-77, which is safer, straighter and a shorter route, Lehahan said. The signs could read that the shortest route to Cross Village area is State Road, and a longer route is M-119. Similar signs would be erected at Cross Village."

Counties:

Emmet

Photographs:

Weblinks:

• none

SOUTH SEGMENT:

Southern Terminus:

Jct US-131 & M-75 just east of downtown Walloon Lake (cnr US-131 & Springvale Rd)

Northern Terminus:

US-31 (cnr Woodland Ave & Division Rd) on the eastern edge of Bay View in the Petoskey area

Length:

10.027 miles

NORTH SEGMENT:

Southern Terminus:

M-119 two miles east of Harbor Springs (cnr Pleasantview Rd & Harbor-Petoskey Rd)

Northern Terminus:

Cnr Nicolet St & Central Ave in downtown Mackinaw City

Length:

32.716 miles

Total Length:

42.743 miles

Map:

Route Map of C-81

Notes:

C-81 exists as a discontinuous, two-segment route. The southern segment runs from US-131 at Walloon Lake to US-31 at Bay View outside of Petoskey, while the northern segment travels from M-119 east of Harbor Springs northerly to Mackinaw City (see map). While other Intercounty Highway routes are signed concurrently along state trunklne routes—like C-48 along US-131 and M-75 through Boyne Falls, F-97 along M-18 in southeast Crawford Co, and H-40 along M-123 through Trout Lake—C-81 is not signed along US-31 and M-119 between its two segments, therefore it is considered to be a two-segment route. However, since both segments are located in close proximity to each other and can be used as one through route in the region, they are presented jointly as one combined listing here (as opposed to the H-44 (East Segment) and H-44 (West Segment) in the U.P. which are two, independent routes sharing the same route designation.)

Although designated and signed in the field in the summer of 1980, the southern segment of C-81 was not added to the Official Michigan Transportation Map issued by MDOT until 1983.

History:

1971 –A new Intercounty Highway route linking the Harbor Springs area with Mackinaw City is designated along Pleasant View, Gill, Cecil Bay, and E Wilderness Park Rds and Central Ave (in Mackinaw City), running roughly parallel to US-31 to the west, serving as an effective alternate to that highway.

1970s (early/mid)

– Several sharper turns in the route of C-81/Pleasantview Rd in northern Pleasantview Twp between Stutsmanville Rd and Tower Rd and in southeastern Center Twp between Robinson Rd and just north of Camp Rd are improved with wider turn radii and straighter segments. In most cases, the former route is obliterated or abandoned as a public roadway. In addition, during this timeframe the southernmost portion of C-81/Pleasantview Rd at it meets M-131/Harbor-Petoskey Rd near the Harbor Springs Airport is relocated to the east to provide for better sightlines and to enhance the safety at the increasingly busy intersection south of the popular area ski hills.

1980 (Aug 25) – With increased traffic congestion through the heart of Petoskey on US-31, many local motorists begin using Division, Atkins and McDougall Rds as a "convenient way" to bypass the heavier traffic in Petoskey and Bay View. With the growth in traffic along this corridor, the Emmet Co Road Commission reclassifies these roads as County Primary Roads and, along with River Rd south of Click Rd as well as Bear River Rd, River Rd and Springvale Rd in Charlevoix Co, the two Road Commissions team up to designate the route from the jct of US-131 & M-75 at Walloon Lake to US-31 east of Bay View as a new southern segment of C-81. (An existing northern segment of C-81 has existed since 1971.) Interestingly, the Bay View Association, along which the new C-81 passes to the east, contributes financially to the cost of the new C-81 route markers.

1983 (early) – While the southern segment of C-81 (from US-131 at Walloon Lake to US-31 at Bay View outside of Petoskey) was signed in the field in the summer of 1980, the route isn't depicted on the Official Michigan Transportation Map published by MDOT until the 1983 edition.

2016 – A northerly extension of McDougall Rd is constructed from Atkins Rd into the Petoskey High School campus. C-81 makes a 90º turn from McDougall Rd onto Atkins Rd at this point. Due to the construction at this intersection, which turned the formerly three-way intersection into a full four-way intersection, all C-81 route markers are removed and are not replaced, thus making this 90º turn in the route an unsigned turn and, therefore, making following the route of C-81 around the east side of Petoskey much more difficult.

Counties:

Charlevoix | Emmet

Photographs:

Weblinks:

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