M-168 (Michigan highway)

M-168 was one of the shortest state trunkline highways in the US state of Michigan, extending just under a mile (1.6 km) from a junction with M-22 in downtown Elberta to the former Ann Arbor Railroad ferry docks. It followed the south shore of Lake Betsie (formed by the Betsie River before flowing into Lake Michigan). The highway was commissioned in 1931 and served as a connection to the car ferries until 1984. The road was reconstructed by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in preparation to transfer it to village control. That transfer happened on April 24, 2012, and now the former highway is a village street.

M-168 marker

M-168

M-168 highlighted in red
Route information
Maintained by MDOT
Length0.953 mi[1] (1,534 m)
Existed1931 (1931)[2][3]–April 24, 2012 (2012-04-24)[4]
Major junctions
East end M-22 in Elberta
West endFormer Ann Arbor Railroad ferry docks in Elberta
Location
CountryUnited States
StateMichigan
CountiesBenzie
Highway system
← M-158→ M-171

Route description

M-168 began at a junction with M-22 just west of where M-22 crosses over Lake Betsie. Known as Frankfort Avenue, M-168 then traveled to the northwest near the shore of the lake through a mixed residential and commercial area before turning slightly westward onto Furnace Avenue. Along Furnace Avenue, the roadway is lined with homes on one side and lake frontage on the other. Eventually, the road curves to the west where it intersects Betsie Valley Trail coming to its terminus shortly thereafter at the former Ann Arbor Railroad ferry docks.[5]

History

M-168 had existed in its current location since 1931. It was originally assumed into the state trunkline system at 0.8 miles (1.3 km) in length.[2][3] Aside from a minor realignment of the junction with M-22 in 1987, the route had remained in this configuration since 1931.[6][7] From its creation until 1984, the road was the main entrance for cars bound for boarding the car ferry.[8]

An MDOT document indicated that in 2010, a $2.1 million project would reconstruct M-168. Upon completion of the project, the route would be jurisdictionally transferred to the Village of Elberta, thereby removing M-168 from the state trunkline system.[9] This transfer was finalized on April 24, 2012, and afterwards, the former M-168 was reclassified a village street.[4]

Major intersections

The entire highway was in Elberta, Benzie County.

mi[1]kmDestinationsNotes
0.0000.000 M-22 / LMCT – Manistee, Frankfort
0.9531.534Former Ann Arbor Railroad ferry docks
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

See also

References
  1. Michigan Department of Transportation (2021). Next Generation PR Finder (Map). Michigan Department of Transportation. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  2. Michigan State Highway Department & Rand McNally (July 1, 1931). Official Highway Service Map (Map). [c. 1:840,000]. Lansing: Michigan State Highway Department. § G8. OCLC 12701053. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2016 – via Archives of Michigan.
  3. Michigan State Highway Department & Rand McNally (October 1, 1931). Official Highway Service Map (Map). [c. 1:840,000]. Lansing: Michigan State Highway Department. § G8. OCLC 12701053.
  4. Staff (April 24, 2012). "Contract Number 2012-0366". Michigan Department of Transportation. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  5. Google (October 30, 2010). "Overview Map of M-168" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved October 30, 2010.
  6. Michigan Department of Transportation (1987). Yes Michigan: Official Transportation Map (Map). c. 1:918,720. Lansing: Michigan Department of Transportation. § G8. OCLC 12701177. Retrieved October 17, 2019 – via Michigan History Center.
  7. Michigan Department of Transportation (1988). Yes Michigan: Department of Transportation Map (Map). c. 1:918,720. Lansing: Michigan Department of Transportation. § G8. OCLC 42778335. Retrieved October 17, 2019 – via Michigan History Center.
  8. Michigan Department of Transportation (1985). Yes Michigan: Official Transportation Map (Map). c. 1:918,720. Lansing: Michigan Department of Transportation. § G8. OCLC 12701177. Retrieved October 17, 2019 – via Michigan History Center.
  9. Staff (March 30, 2006). "Jobs Today Initiative and SAFETEA-LU Earmark Project Investments" (PDF). Michigan Department of Transportation. Retrieved February 12, 2008.
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