March 3, 2008 - - Travelers rejoice! The newest edition of the Official Michigan Department of Transportation map is now available at Travel Michigan Welcome Centers, MDOT offices, and soon, at Secretary of State offices across the state. The 2008 theme is "Michigan, more freshwater coastline than any other state!"
The map features dramatic photos of Michigan's beautiful lakes and streams, complete with recreational boaters, a fly fisherman, and barefoot beachcombers. The cover photo features Holland's famous Big Red lighthouse on Lake Michigan and two classic-style, made-in-Michigan mahogany boats. The poetic language used on the map was taken from a "Pure Michigan" promotional ad sponsored by Travel Michigan.
"Michigan is blessed with many natural attractions and scenic vistas, so the choice of a water wonderland/nautical theme was a perfect choice for our 2008 map," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "The map incorporates some changes recommended from an Internet questionnaire conducted last year by MDOT, in which we asked the motoring public for their suggestions and comments. We are listening to our customers. Our staff is planning future improvements based on customer recommendations."
Steudle also noted that most survey respondents were satisfied with the map, and 98 percent said MDOT should continue to print it. Most people indicated they use the map for travel associated with recreation, the second biggest use was for business travel. About 80 percent of the respondents said the size of the map was "just right." The most frequently used features (other than the obvious use of roads) were: mileage table, municipality index, individual city maps, and the southeast Metro Detroit map.
Steudle said there are several important updates on the new map, including using road sign symbols for both M-routes and county roads that duplicate signs used on the highway. Also, exit numbers are now listed for US-127 (in limited access freeway sections), which MDOT re-numbered and re-signed last year on the actual highway. Exit numbers also are included for M-10 (Lodge Freeway) in Detroit.
The map includes information on "How to Drive a Roundabout," a new type of circular intersection in Michigan. Emergency information is more prominently displayed, with advice to call "911" in an emergency.
Other updates include adding phone numbers and Web site addresses for all of Michigan's major bridges, and identifying the state's three National Scenic Byways: River Road in Iosco County, Copper Country Trail in Keweenaw County, and Woodward Avenue (M-1) in Detroit.
About 1.5 million maps will be printed this year, at a cost of 14 cents per copy. To view the online version, get more details, report a suspected error, or request a free copy of the printed map, go to the MDOT Web site: www.michigan.gov/statemap.
Ice and Snow, Take It Slow Remember: Don't Crowd the Plow
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