Corridor Way finding Inventory for US-41, M-26 and M

Transcription

Copper Country Trail:
Corridor Wayfinding Inventory for US-41, M-26 and M-203
-DRAFT-
Acknowledgments
This study was conducted with support from the Michigan Department of Transportation on behalf of the Copper
Country Trail National Byway Committee as part of the Michigan State Heritage Route Program. The purpose of
this study to provide information to the Copper Country Trail Committee National Byway Committee and member
agencies for planning future interpretive and signage projects with the trail corridor.
Copper Country Trail Committee Members:
Copper Harbor Improvement Association (CHIA)
Houghton County Township Association
Keweenaw County Township Association
Houghton County, Keweenaw County
Keweenaw Land Trust
Western UP Planning & Development Region (WUPPDR)
Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (KPCC)
Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission
Houghton County Historical Society
Keweenaw County Historical Society
Copper Country Trail Committee Technical Advisors:
Keweenaw National Historical Park
Michigan Department of Transportation
Michigan State Park Representative – Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
This inventory was conduct by staff at Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region
(WUPPDR).
Photos were taken by WUPPDR for the purpose of this document unless otherwise noted.
All opinions and results contained in this report belong to the authors and do not represent positions taken by any of
the above mentioned agencies or institutions. All errors remain the responsibility of the authors.
I. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2
II. Study Area .................................................................................................................. 3
III. Methodology ............................................................................................................. 3
IV. Description of Road Ways ......................................................................................... 4
A. US 41: Copper County Trail ................................................................................... 6
Segment 1: US-41 - Portage Lake Lift Bridge to Pontiac Road / No 9 Road ............. 6
Segment 2: US-41 - Pontiac Road / No 9 Road to Millionaire Street ....................... 9
Segment 3: US-41-Millionaire Street to Amygdaloidal Street ................................ 12
Segment 4: US-41 - Amygdaloid Street to Cliff Drive .......................................... 17
Segment 5: US-41 - Cliff Drive to M-26 to M-26 Intersection .............................. 19
Segment 6: US-41/ M-26 Intersection to Lac La Belle Road .................................. 24
Segment 7: US-41 - Lac La Belle Road to End of US-41 ....................................... 27
B. M-26 – Spur Route on Copper County Trail .......................................................... 33
Segment 8: M-26 - Portage Lake Lift Bridge to Mason Cross Cut Road ................. 33
Segment 9: M-26 - Mason Cross Cut Road to M-26 Intersection / 10th Street ......... 36
Segment 10: M-26 - 10th Street to US-41 Intersection / School Street..................... 39
Segment 11: M-26/US-41 Intersection to Eagle Harbor Road ................................ 41
Segment 12: M-26- Eagle Harbor Road to US-41 / M-26 Intersection.................... 45
C. M-203 – Spur route on the Copper Country Trail .................................................. 49
Segment 13: City of Hancock to Village of Calumet .............................................. 49
VI. Clearview Font ........................................................................................................ 54
VII. National Scenic Byways Program- The Byway Guidance System .......................... 55
A. Examples of Byway Signage ................................................................................ 57
B. Byway Guidance System Approach to the Copper Country Trail - Map ............... 59
C. Byway Guidance System Approach to Copper Country Trail Signage .................. 60
VII. Action Items and Recommendations ...................................................................... 61
VII. Policies Supporting State Heritage Routes and National Scenic Byways ................ 62
A. Michigan Heritage Routes.................................................................................... 62
B. Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs ...................................................................... 67
C. Support and Policy on National Scenic Byway Signs ........................................... 72
Appendix
1
I. Introduction
Located at the northern most point of
Michigan‟s Upper Peninsula lies
Copper Country Trail, Michigan
Heritage Route and one of American
Byway®. Copper Country Trail,
made up of US-41, is the main artery
traversing the spine of the Keweenaw
Peninsula. The route was designated
a National Scenic Byway based on its
historic and scenic resources and the
significance the region had on the
nation
during
the
industrial
revolution.
The Copper Country Trail corridor encompasses the land area of the entire Keweenaw
Peninsula north of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. While US-41 is the primary route, the
area offers a number additional scenic drives just off of the designated Copper Country
Trail allowing visitors to see different locations while in the area. The main spur routes
off of the Copper Country Trail are M-26 and M-203.
M-26 makes a figure “8” with US-41 traversing a number of communities and sites of
interest: the Quincy Smelter; the southern the communities located on Torch Lake and
the Portage Lake Shipping Canal; and northern communities of Eagle Harbor and Eagle
River. M-203 brings visitors along the western shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula where
visitors will find public lake access at McLain‟s State Park and Calumet Waterworks.
From these state and US highways users of Copper Country Trail will find a of myriad of
places to visit and explore.
Since visiting Copper Country Trail will bring people on to
a number of different routes (federal, state, and local) it is
important that users understand where they are, where they
are headed, and how to get there; this will help support an
overall positive experience while visiting the area. One
way to accomplish this is through appropriate and properly
placed way finding measures along the main routes in the
Copper Country Trail corridor area.
The purpose of this sturdy is to enhance byways users experiences and access to the
routes and sites along Copper Country Trail.
2
The study will achieve this through the following objectives:
1) To inventory wayfinding signs along US-41, M-26 and M-203 in the Copper
Country Trail Corridor.
2) To recommend improvements and changes to current wayfinding signage
conditions.
3) To determine appropriate locations for Copper Country Trail signage along the
designated route.
4) To determine future activities by developing an action plan and priorities for
Copper Country Trail signage activities.
II. Study Area
The study will be conducted in the Copper Country Trail corridor, which encompasses
the entire land area of the Keweenaw Peninsula north of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.
The corridor is bordered to the South by the Keweenaw Waterway and to the East, West
and North by Lake Superior. The corridor‟s population is approximately 21,319, based
on 2000 Census data. The route‟s focused on for this study are US-41, M-203, M-26.
The area is primarily forest land, followed by agricultural land. There are small urban
areas located at the cities of Houghton and Hancock at the start of the Copper Country
Trail, and the cities Calumet and Laurium located midway through the corridor. There
are a number of villages and townships throughout the corridor: Dollar Bay, Hubbell,
Lake Linden, Copper City, Mohawk, Ahmeek, Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor.
Primarily, the area‟s economy is tied to the service industry. The US Census Bureau
classifies the top three occupation fields, which make up more the 75% of the workforce
for the area: management, professional, and related occupations; government workers
(local, state, or federal); and service occupations.
III. Methodology
This document shows existing signage on the main routes of Copper County Trail. This
includes MDOT signage within the right-of-way (ROW) and private signage outside of
the ROW, when appropriate (when signage exists that will aid byway users to access sites
that support the intrinsic values identified by the Copper Country Trail Corridor
Management Plan). The inventory includes notes evaluating existing signage based on
the 5 requirement for effective traffic control devices defined by the Manual for Uniform
Traffic Control Devices:
Signs, Signs everywhere a sign,
Blockin’ out the scenery
Fulfill a need
breakin’ my mind…
Command attention
Convey a clear and simple meaning
The Five Man Electrical Band
Command respect from road users
Give adequate time for proper response
3
The criteria for meeting these requirements are through the design, placement and
operation, maintenance and uniformity of signage. This study follows the direction of the
“The Byway Guidance System,” which is an initiative developed by the American
Byways Resource Center to assist byway planners in helping travelers find the special
places located along the program designated routes. A summary of this effort is provided
on pages 55 and 56.
IV. Description of Road Ways
The inventory looks at 3 different roadways: US-41, M-26, M-203. US-41 is Copper
County Trail, while M-26 and M-203 are both spur routes off of US-41. Each of the
identified roads have been broken into sections. The intersections used were chosen
because they lend themselves geographically to ending and starting points.
US-41 Copper Country Trail
The entry point of Copper County Trail is the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, which connects
the cities of Houghton and Hancock, spanning the Portage Lake Shipping Canal. The
bridge serves as a geographical beginning for Copper County Trail. Copper Country Trail
traverses through the City of Hancock, the Villages of Calumet and Laurium, both units
of Keweenaw National Historical Park, and numerous townships to it ending at Copper
Harbor, Michigan. The Copper Country Trail is approximately 47 miles in length.
M-26 – Spur Route of Copper County Trail
M-26 through the Keweenaw Peninsula has been designated as a spur route of Copper
Country Trail. The entry point for M-26 is off the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. M-26 will
take the byway traveler through Ripley Location, Dollar Bay, Tamarack City, Lake
Linden, and Hubbell into Florida Location where the M-26 meets back up with US-41.
US-41 / M-26 split again at Phoenix Location, M-26 meanders thru Eagle River and
Eagle Harbor before meeting up again with US-41 in Copper Harbor.
M-203 – Spur Route of Copper Country Trail
M-203 is a designated spur route of the Copper Country Trail. The entry point for this
route is in the City of Hancock. Leaving the city limits the traveler finds the Hancock
Recreation Area, which includes day picnic area, camping, public restrooms and public
swimming. The route continues along the Portage Shipping canal, where the setting
becomes rural with small-populated areas of single-family homes. McLain State Park is
located where the Portage Shipping canal enters Lake Superior. The route continues in a
be rural setting until it enters into the Village of Calumet, where it traverse to the north
side of Calumet and terminates at the intersection with M-26/US-41.
4
An Anatomy of the Inventory: This document look at Copper Country Trail and
associated spur routes (M-26 & M-203) dividing them into 13 segments. Each segment
includes the following components:
Segment Title
Map (includes roadway, water features,
topography lines, section lines, and city /
village boundaries)
Total Distance of Segment
Description of Segment
Points of Interest
Segment Notes - includes photos,
descriptions, and issues with wayfinding
signage in segment.
Note: The following icon appears throughout
the inventory.
Logo for Keweenaw Heritage Sites a
program of Keweenaw National
Historical Park Advisory Commission
5
IV A. US 41: Copper County Trail
Segment 1: US-41 - Portage Lake Lift Bridge to Pontiac Road / No 9 Road
(Franklin Township)
Total Distance of Segment: Approximately 4.25 Miles
Description of Segment:
Traveling northbound US-41 traverses through the downtown area of the City of
Hancock.
Byway users will find a number of businesses, financial institutions,
restaurants and taverns mixed with multi and single-family residential units. As US-41
begins to climb the plateau, which runs through the Keweenaw Peninsula, travelers leave
the city limit and are offered views to the south east of the Portage Lake Shipping Canal,
Portage Lake Lift Bridge, the City of Houghton and the Huron Mountains. As travelers
approach the top of „Quincy Hill‟ they will find Quincy Mine Hoist Association, the
Quincy Unit of Keweenaw National Historical Park and the future home of A.E. Seaman
Mineral Museum. At this point the byway users will pass through the areas of Quincy,
Franklin Mine and Pewabic.
As byway users continue along this segment of US-41 the route levels off and the setting
becomes rural. There is an area just north of the complex at Quincy that has a number of
advisement billboards. This segment ends at the intersections of Pontiac Road / No. 9
Road and Boston Road.
6
Points of interest:
Downtown Hancock – Walking
Tour (Numerous Sites)
East Hancock Neighborhood
Historic District
Quincy Street Historic District
Finnish
American
Heritage
Center and Archives
Finlandia University
MDOT Roadside Park Al & Elli
Isola
Quincy Mine Hoist Association
Keweenaw National Historical
Park – Quincy Unit
A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum
(New facility being developmed)
Segment Notes:
1.1 Entrance to Hancock and Copper Country Trail: Location
has numerous signs directing byway users to motel, services and
recreational opportunities. Also is intersection for M-26 Spur
Route (See section for M-26 page 33).
1.2 Intersection at Quincy St. / Reservation Street:
US-41 Follows Quincy Street through the downtown area of the
City of Hancock. Intersection is well marked.
1.3 East Hancock Neighborhood Historic and Quincy Street Historic Districts:
Presently there is no signage to inform or direct byway users to the two districts.
a) East Hancock Neighborhood Historic District is roughly bounded by Front,
Dunstan and Vivian Sts., Mason and Cooper Aves.
b) Quincy Street Historic Districts includes the 100-129, 200-240, 300-340
Block; Quincy Street; and 416 Tezcuco Street.
1.4 Finlandia University Signage:
Finnish American Heritage Center is a
Heritage Site of the Keweenaw
National Historical Park Advisory
Commission.
7
1.5 Intersection at Quincy St. / South Lincoln Drive - M-203 and US-41: Intersection is
where M-203 Spur Route (see section for M-203 page 49) begins and US-41 branches in
northbound and southbound directions.
M-203 and US-41 northbound
US-41 Southbound
1.6 MDOT Roadside Park Signage – Facility is owned
and maintained by MDOT. Amenities include
interpretive signage and view area. Both northbound
and southbound directions are signed with MDOT
Roadside Park Marker. Site has potential of being a
Copper Country Trail Orientation Stop (See Byway
Guidance System page 55).
1.7 Quincy Mine Hoist Association / Keweenaw
National Historical Park Summer Information Desk –
Facility is owned and maintained by Quincy Mine Hoist
Association. Amenities include guided surface and
underground tours, gift shop, area information and
restrooms. Site has double-sided billboard style sign at
entrance of site. Quincy Mine Hoist is a Keweenaw
Heritage Site. Keweenaw National Historical Park also
operates a Summer Visitors Information desk at site. Site has potential of being a Copper
Country Trail Orientation Stop (See Byway Guidance System page 55)
8
Segment 2: US-41 - Pontiac Road / No 9 Road (Franklin Township) to
Millionaire Street (Osceola Township)
Total Distance of Segment: Approximately 7 miles
Traveling northbound US-41 continues to traverse trough a rural setting and passes
through the area of Franklin. At the intersection of US-41/Airpark Blvd, Byway users
will find Houghton County Memorial Airport; this intersection is controlled by yellow
yield traffic signal. Shortly after this intersection is the Copper Country Information
Designation MDOT Road Side Park. There are a number of billboard advertisement
signs at the end of the segment as users approach Calumet Township. Byway users will
pass through Franklin Township, Osceola Township and Osceola Location.
Points of Interest:
Houghton County Memorial Airport
Copper Country Informational Designation MDOT Roadside Park
Paavola Wetlands Preserve
Boston Pond
Segment Notes:
9
2.1 Intersections at Pontiac Road / US 41 / Boston Road: Corridor has a number of
directional / wayfinding signage and advertisement signage (billboards).
Northbound Signs
Southbound Signs
Numerous billboards in area.
10
2.2 Houghton County Memorial Airport Signage / Airport Road – Signs direct users to
the facilities located in the area immediately surrounding the county airport. Signage is
more comprehensive in the northbound direction
Northbound Signs
Southbound Signs
2.3 Roadside Park Signage – Facility is owned and maintained by MDOT. Park
amenities include restrooms and a interpretive panel. Northbound direction is signed with
the MDOT Roadside Park Marker. Southbound direction is signed with MDOT roadside
park marker and additional “Historical Marker” signage. Site has potential of being a
Copper Country Trail Orientation Stop (see Byway Guidance System page 55).
Northbound Sign
Southbound Signs
11
Segment 3: US-41-Millionaire Street (Osceola Township) to Amygdaloidal
Street (Centennial Location)
Total Distance of segment: Approximately 7 miles
Traveling northbound US-41 enters into the small urban area made up of the Villages of
Calumet and Laurium. US-41 divides these two areas and serves a main feeder route to
both communities. This segment begins with a strip of business and mixed residential,
which make up the area referred to as Swedetown. The area remains mixed until
travelers pass Keweenaw National Historical Park and the campus for Calumet, Laurium
and Keweenaw Public Schools. At that point development along US-41 remains primary
multi- and single-family residences to the end of this segment. This corridor brings the
byway traveler to a number of destinations.
This segment of the byway has numerous signs and traffic control devices at the major
intersections: 3-way traffic light at 6th Street Extension/Boundary Street; Yield/Stop at
Depot/US-41; Yield/Stop at Red Jacket Road/US-41; 3-way traffic light at School
Street/US-41 and Yield/stop at M-203/US-41.
Points of Interest:
Osceola # 13 Shaft House
Swedetown Trails
Keweenaw Convention and
Visitors Bureau
Keweenaw National Historical
Park: Calumet Unit
Calumet and Hecla Industrial
District (Walking Tour of
Calumet Industrial Core)
Keweenaw Heritage Center at St.
Anne‟s
Calumet Historic District
12
Walking Tour of Calumet‟s
Historic Business District
Coppertown USA Mining
Museum
Upper Peninsula Fire Fighters
Memorial Museum
Calumet Theatre
First Use of Concrete Paving
Information Designation
Italian Hall Disaster
Informational Site
Red Jacket Downtown Historic
District
Agassiz Park
Laurium Historic District
Laurium Manor Inn & Victorian
Hall
Walking Tour of Laurium
Segment Notes:
3.1 US-41 Corridor: A Street to Pine Street / M-203: Corridor is dense with directional, tourist
oriented and wayfinding signage. In this area there is also some repetitiveness and duplication
in signage, especially street signs. Off of US-41 in Calumet and Laurium there are a number of
sites that represent the intrinsic values of Copper Country Trail. Many of these sites are not
signed from the highway. Keweenaw National Historical Park is working on a signage plan
within the park boundaries, which includes this corridor. The below photos are of only
wayfinding and interpretive signs, they do not include all signs (safety / traffic) along this
segment.
Northbound Signs
13
Southbound Signs
14
Duplication in street signs along Calumet Avenue/ US41
Examples of Street signs that no longer meet MUTDC guidelines along Calumet Avenue/ US41
3.2 0Swedetown Trails- The recreation area is managed by
Calumet Township. Facilities include ski/bike/snowshoe
trails system, sledding area, and chalet. Information is not
reflected in the sign. Sign is double-sided serving north and
southbound directions; sign is not made of reflective
materials.
3.3 Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau – Facility has
information on area attractions, lodging amenities and area
restaurants. Amenities include staff visitor desk, restrooms and
adjacent carpool lot. Sign is double-sided serving north and
southbound directions. Site has potential of being a Copper
Country Trail Orientation Stop (see Byway Guidance System
page 55).
15
3.4 Keweenaw National Historical Park: Keweenaw National
Historical Park Headquarters has a staffed information desk:
with information on area attractions and Keweenaw Heritage
Sites. Sign is double sided serving north and southbound
directions.
Photo courtesy of www.levin.senate.gov
3.5 Calumet Downtown and Historic Districts: Signage is serving multiple sites in downtown
Calumet and include:
Calumet and Hecla Industrial District (Walking Tour of Calumet Industrial Core)
Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne‟s
Calumet Historic District
Walking Tour of Calumet‟s Historic Business District
Coppertown USA Mining Museum
Upper Peninsula Fire Fighters Memorial Museum
Calumet Theatre
First Use of Concrete Paving Information Designation
Italian Hall Disaster Informational Site
Northbound Sign
Southbound Sign
16
Segment 4: US-41 - Amygdaloid Street (Centennial Location) to Cliff Drive
(Ahmeek Location)
Keweenaw County
Houghton County
Please note that these two maps
are reproduced in different scales
and are used for reference only.
Total Distance of Segment: Approximately 3.6 miles
Traveling Northbound – US-41 traverses through the locations of Centennial Heights,
Wolverine, Kearsarge, Phillipsville, Allouez, New Allouez and Ahmeek, all of which are
communities that developed during mining boom. The area is a mix of single and multi-family
residences, small businesses, and places of worship. Speed limits change frequently between
communities.
Points of Interest:
Wolverine Boat Park
Houghton County Traction Company
Veterans Park
17
Segments Notes:
4.1 Wolverine Boat Park – Site is owned and maintained by Calumet Township. Amenities
include stone boat, interpretive panel, and memorial wall. There is no signage to warn byways
users of the park. Byway users have stopped on the highway when they see the park
4.2 Keweenaw County Entrance Signage - There is repetition in the entrance signage for
Keweenaw County. The billboard signage for Keweenaw County and Keweenaw County
Historical Society have replaced the older Keweenaw County Entrance sign.
4.3 Veterans Park-Facility is owned and maintained by Keweenaw County Road Commission.
There is no signage warning visitors of park. Park amenities include restrooms and memorial.
Site has potential of being a Copper Country Trail Orientation Stop (see Byway Guidance
System page 55).
18
Segment 5: US-41 - Cliff Drive to M-26 (Ahmeek Location) to M-26 Intersection
(Phoenix Location)
Total Distance of Segment: Approximately 3.6 miles
Traveling Northbound US-41 traverse the communities of Mohawk, Ojbiway and Phoenix.
The community of Mohawk is a mix of single and multi-family residences, small businesses, and
places of worship. After the byway user passes through the community of Mohawk the area of is
rural. To the west of this drive byway users see Cliff Range. This segment ends at the
intersection with M-26 in Phoenix.
Points of Interest:
Cliff Drive
Mohawk Park
Snow Thermometer Park
Phoenix Church
Catholic Cliff Cemetery
Segment Notes:
5.1 Mohawk Park – There is no warning signage for park in the US-41 ROW.
19
5.2 Cliff Drive – Both the north and southbound entries to Cliff Drive are marked. Southbound
entry is also marked by sign fabricated by the Keweenaw County Road Commission, which is
difficult to read at 55 MPH and is not constructed of reflective materials.
Northbound Sign
Southbound Sign
Southbound Sign
5.3 State Heritage Route Sign – This is the first (1 of 5) heritage route road marker along
Copper Country Trail. It is difficult to see because it is directly behind an Adopt-A-Highway
Sign
5.4 Thermometer Park – The park is owned and maintained by Keweenaw County Road
Commission. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables and interpretive signage. There is no
signage to caution byway users of this park in either the south or northbound direction. Byway
users have been seen stopping and parking on shoulder of the highway to access park facilities.
The park would benefit from universally recognized signage.
Possible signs to caution
travelers of upcoming
recreation areas or parks
20
5.6 Catholic Cliff Cemetery – This site has a small double-sided
warning sign for both northbound and southbound traffic
direction. The sign is difficult for travelers to read at 55 mph,
also the sign is not made of reflective materials. Parking for the
site is on the side of highway.
5.7 Intersection of M-26 / US 41 in Phoenix location: The intersection is a crossroads for the
communities of Keweenaw County. Due to this, there are numerous directional and wayfinding
signs in the area of Phoenix location, which are interspersed with signs provided by Keweenaw
County Road Commission.
Northbound Signs
21
Southbound Signs
Repetitive Signage:
22
5.8 Phoenix Church – Keweenaw County Historical Society – The facility is owned and
maintained by Keweenaw County Road Commission. Amenities include interpretive panels and
vault toilets. Site has a small warning sign from the northbound direction and no warning from
the southbound direction. There is a sign marking the site in the southbound direction. Site has
parking but it is not clearly marked. Visitors to the site can be seen parking on the side of the
highway; signs are not made of reflective materials. Keweenaw County Historical Society is a
Keweenaw Heritage Site.
Northbound Sign
Southbound Sign
23
Segment 6: US-41/ M-26 Intersection (Phoenix Location) to Lac La Belle Road (Lac
La Belle)
Total Distance of segment: Approximately 9.7 miles
Traveling northbound US-41 traverses the communities of Central and Delaware. There is little
to no development adjacent to the highway. This segment ends at the intersection with Lac La
Belle Road.
Points of Interest:
Gratiot Lake
Central Mine Residential Site Tour
Central Mine Historic District
Central Mine Methodist Church
Delaware Copper Mine
Frimodig Park
Segment Notes:
6.1 State Heritage Route Sign – This is the second (2 of 5)
heritage route road marker along Copper Country Trail. This
sign is well positioned with a North US-41 sign to reinforce
to byway travelers that they are traveling on a State Heritage
Route.
24
6.2 Gratiot Lake Signage – Duplication in signage for Gratiot Lake. Sign provided by
Keweenaw County Road Commission is difficult for travelers to read at 55 MPH, and the sign is
not made of reflective materials.
Northbound Signs
Southbound Signs
6.3 Central Mine and Central Visitors Center Sign – The two signs marking the entrance to
Central Mine site serve as a warning for travelers for this site. The “Central Visitors Cen.” is
double sided and is difficult for travelers to read at 55 MPH, and the sign is not made of
reflective materials. The Central Mine interpretive sign is not possible to read while traveling
and could be a distraction to travelers. Repositioning the sign to the Visitor‟s Center may be
appropriate.
25
6.4 Delaware Copper Mine – There is one sign serving this
site. It is well signed for northbound traffic; however for
southbound traffic the sign is visible after visitors pass the
entrance to the site.
Delaware Copper Mine is a
Keweenaw Heritage Site. The sign is not made of
reflective materials.
6.5 State Heritage Route Sign – This is the third (3 of 5)
heritage route road marker along Copper Country Trail.
This sign is well positioned with a North US-41sign to
reinforce to byway travelers that they are traveling on a
State Heritage Route.
6.6 US - 41 / Delaware/Eagle Harbor Road – Doublesided Keweenaw County Road Commission sign serve as a
navigational/confidence sign at this intersection. Font size
and lettering is difficult for the traveler to read at posted
highway speeds, and the sign is not made of reflective
materials.
Southbound Side of Sign
26
Segment 7: US-41 - Lac La Belle Road to End of US-41 (Copper Harbor)
Traveling northbound US-41 traverses Grant Township and the community of Copper Harbor.
As the byway user enters the area around Lake Medora (to the north), the shoulder of the road all
but disappears and trees are within inches of the white marker line. Lake Medora has a number
of summer homes accessing US-41 from both sides.
On the south side of the highway before entering Copper
Harbor, travelers pass by the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.
The route continues to be rural until Copper Harbor
Copper Harbor is made up primarily of tourist related
businesses. As the highway continues north out of Copper
Harbor byway users will pass Fort Wilkins State Park.
US-41 terminates north of Fort Wilkins State Park.
Points of Interest:
Mac Frimodig Park
Ghost Town of Mandan
Lake Medora Islands
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
Grant Township Park
Copper Harbor Trail System
Estivant Pines Sanctuary
Fort Wilkins State Park
Fanny Hooe Creek Bridge
Copper Harbor Lighthouse
27
Segment Notes:
7.1 Keweenaw County Road Commission Sign: At the
intersection with Lac La Belle Road and US-41. The sign‟s
font is small and difficult to read at 55 MPH on US-41 and
the sign is not made of reflective materials. Sign serves as
directional sign for traffic approaching US-41 from Lac La
Belle.
7.2 Signage for Mandan Location: Mandan Location was a small bustling mining
community, much like Central Location. There is signage to alert byway travelers of the
location along US-41, however if visitors do not know about Mandan they may not stop
to visit the area.
7.3 Mac Frimodig Park: The site is owned and maintained by Keweenaw County Road
Commission. Amenities include vault toilet and picnic area. Park is located on a section
of US-41 with a number of tight curves. The park is marked with one two-sided sign in
ROW of southbound direction, making park difficult to identify prior to approach; sign is
not made of reflective materials. The park would benefit from cautionary signs.
Mac
Possible signs to
caution travelers
of upcoming
recreation areas or
parks
7.4 Lake Medora Public Access: Site is signed for both north and southbound directions.
Keweenaw County Road Commission sign is also marking park from southbound
direction
Northbound sign
Southbound sign
29
Southbound sign
7.5 Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Signage: Site is own and maintained by Keweenaw
County. Amenities include lodging, dining, conference facilities, golf course, and
recreational trails. Signs are positioned in northbound direction to caution travelers of the
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge approach. Sign would benefit from lighting to aid visibility
at night, sign is not made of reflective materials. An additional cautionary signs from
southbound direction would benefit visitor approaching the drive.
Northbound Sign
Northbound Sign
Southbound at Entrance
7.6 “ENDS” and” BEGINS” State Heritage Route Sign: These are the fourth and fifth
(4 & 5 of 5) heritage route road markers along Copper Country Trail. These signs are at
the intersection of US-41 / M-26 in Copper Harbor. These signs were placed when
Copper Country Trail State Heritage Route was US-41: Phoenix to Copper Harbor. Since
the sign‟s installation, Copper Country Trail has expanded south to the Portage Lake Lift
Bridge in Houghton / Hancock.
7.7 US-41 / M-26 Junction in Copper Harbor – The
Keweenaw County Road Commission sign at this intersection
serves as directional tool for byway travelers entering into
Copper Harbor from US-41. The sign serves northbound
traffic entering Copper Harbor, sign is not constructed of
reflective materials. Font style and lettering may be difficult
for travelers to read.
30
7.8 Additional Wayfinding signage at US-41 / M-26 intersection in Copper Harbor
7.9 Copper Harbor / Fort Wilkins State Park and Historic Complex / Isle Royal
National Park Sign –
Sign provides important information to Copper Harbor‟s
natural and historic resources. However the sign‟s
purpose should be evaluated, the sign is not appropriate
as a road sign, to access the information a user must
traverse a drainage ditch. This site could be reoriented
Drainage ditch
into the adjacent park to allow visitors access to
information, or the sign could be relocated to a more
appropriate location.
7.10 Copper Harbor Improvement Association Signage – Entrance signage (US-41
approach) to Copper Harbor and similarly designed sign for the Visitor Center at the
western edge of Copper Harbor.
31
7.11 Keweenaw County Road Commission Directional
Signage / West Copper Harbor – Sign provides useful
directional information for sites along Manganese Road.
Font size is difficult for highway travelers to read at post
speed limit, sign is not made of reflective materials/
7.12 Fort Wilkins Michigan State Park SignageNorthbound Signs
Southbound Signs
32
IV B. M-26 – Spur Route on Copper County Trail
Segment 8: M-26 - Portage Lake Lift Bridge to Mason Cross Cut Road
(Mason Location)
Portage Lake Lift Bridge to Mason Cross Cut Road (Mason Location)
Traveling northbound this segment of M-26 traverses the communities of Ripley, Dollar
Bay and Mason. The communities of Ripley and Dollar Bay are areas of mixed
residential and business. There is a yield/stop light at the intersection of M-26/airport
road in Dollar Bay. North of Dollar Bay the environment surrounding the highway
becomes rural. To the west the ridgeline of the plateau running the peninsula flanks the
highway. The community of Mason is completely residential, all homes access the
highway directly. This segment ends at Mason Cross Cut Road.
Points of Interest:
Houghton County Marina
Mont Ripley
Quincy Smelter Works / Quincy Mining Company Historic District
Dollar Bay Recreation Area
Sandy Bottom Beach
Mason Historic District
33
Segment Notes:
8.1 Houghton County Marina: County owned and managed facility is signed in both
north and southbound direction. Site is signed as Portage Lake Marina
Northbound sign
Southbound sign
8.2 Mont Ripley Ski Hill: Facility is owned and
operated by Michigan Tech. Facility sign at the site is
for northbound direction only.
Northbound sign
8.3 Quincy Smelter Works / Quincy Mining Company Historic District: Facility is
owned by Franklin Township and is closed to the public. Quincy Mining Company
Historic District is the area north from Portage Lake to Quincy Hill and along US 41,
Hancock. Site has interpretive materials located at the highway mounted to a building,
location hinders usability.
NPS Photo – Courtesy of Dan Johnson
34
8.4 Dollar Bay Recreation Area / Sandy Bottom Beach: Facilities are maintained by
Osceola Township and is located off M-26 in Dollar Bay on Lower Point Mills Road.
The site has a swimming beach, picnic area, pavilion, and a boat launch. The site is not
signed from the highway.
8.5 Mason Historic District: The Community of Mason is sited as a historic district as
part of the Quincy Mill and Reclamation Site. This area is not signed.
35
Segment 9: M-26 - Mason Cross Cut Road (Mason Location) to M-26
Intersection / 10th Street (Village of Lake Linden)
Traveling northbound this segment of M-26 traverses the communities of Quincy Mill,
Tamarack City, Hubbell and Lake Linden. These communities are areas of mixed
residential and business. Approaching the community of Tamarack City from the south
the byway user is offered views of Torch Lake to the east. The ridgeline continues to
flank the west side of the highway though is set much further back as the traveler
continues to Lake Linden. There is little variance between the communities of Tamarack
City and Hubbell. Between the communities of Hubbell and Lake Linden there are still a
number of residential homes. When the route enters Lake Linden the speed limit
diminishes to 25 MPH as the byway user enters the downtown area of the village. This
segment ends at the intersection of 10th Ave/M-26.
Points of Interest:
Calumet and Hecla (C & H) / Quincy Reclaiming Sand Dredge #2
Hungarian Falls
Torch Lake Township Park and Boat Launch
Houghton County Historical Museum
Lake Linden Village Park and Recreation Area
36
Segment notes:
9.1 Calumet and Hecla (C & H) / Quincy Reclaiming Sand Dredge #2: The Community
of Mason is sited as an historic district as part of the Quincy Mill and Reclamation Site.
This area is not signed.
9.2 Hungarian Falls: Site is located north of Tamarack City. Site is not signed.
9.3 Torch Lake Township Park and Boat Launch: Township owned and managed
facility is signed in both north and southbound directions. The site is also known as
Hubbell Park.
Northbound sign
Southbound sign
9.4 Houghton County Historical Museum: The site is managed by Houghton County
Historical Society, and is a Heritage Site of Keweenaw National Historical Park. Site
would benefit from better southbound directional signage, signs are not constructed with
reflective materials
Northbound sign
Southbound sign
37
9.5 Lake Linden Village Park and Recreation area: Facilities are managed by the
Village of Lake Linden and include: marina, nature trail, park, boat launch and swimming
area. The marina is served by blue cautionary signs. A large green sign is only serving
the northbound direction, and is being block by vegetation; the signs font and color may
hinder usability. The sign is not constructed of reflective materials.
Northbound sign
Northbound sign
Southbound sign
38
Segment 10: M-26 - 10th Street (Village of Lake Linden) to US-41 Intersection
/ School Street (Calumet Township)
Traveling northbound this segment of M-26 traverses the communities of Florida
Location and the Village of Laurium. After leaving Lake Linden the byway traveler will
climb onto the plateau, which runs along the Keweenaw Peninsula. At the top of this
climb the byway user will enter into Florida Location, there is little variance between the
communities of Florida and Laurium. At the intersection of Lake Linden Ave / Helca
Street, M-26 make a right hand turn into downtown Laurium, the highway makes another
left hand turn onto Depot Street. This segment ends at the M-26/US-41 intersection.
Points of Interest:
George Gipp Recreational Area
George Gipp Memorial Park
Laurium Historic District
Laurium Manor Inn & Victorian Hall
Walking Tour of Laurium
39
Segment Notes:
10.1 George Gipp Recreational Area: The facility is owned and maintained by the
Village of Laurium. Amenities include: ice arena, baseball fields, playground equipment,
and tennis courts. No signage for southbound direction.
Northbound Sign
10.2 George Gipp Memorial Park: The facilities are owned and maintained by the
Village of Laurium. Amenities include: fountain and memorial dedication. Double-sided
sign serves north and south bound direction. Sign is not fabricated of reflective materials.
10.3 Laurium Historic District: There is no signage within the M-26 corridor alerting
visitors of these facilities. Roughly bounded by Calumet, Stable, N. Florida, and Isle
Royale Streets; includes 2872 acres, 735 buildings and 1 structure. District is not signed.
Walking tour brochure is available online and at sites throughout the region.
10.4 Laurium Manor Inn / Victorian Hall: There is no signage within the M-26 corridor
alerting visitors of these facilities. Laurium Manor Inn / Victorian Hall are heritage sites
of Keweenaw National Historical Park.
10.5 Walking Tour of Laurium: There is no signage with M-26 corridor alerting visitors
of this opportunity. Walking tour brochure is available online and at sites throughout the
region.
40
Segment 11: M-26/US-41 Intersection (Phoenix Location) to Eagle Harbor
Road (Eagle Harbor)
Traveling northbound this segment of M-26 begins at the intersection with US-41 in
Phoenix location. The first two miles of this segment are rural and heavily wooded. To
the south is the cliff range. The route enters into the unincorporated community of Eagle
River, by crossing over Eagle Ridge Timber Bridge.
The community of Eagle River (Keweenaw
County Seat) is mixed residential and tourist
related businesses. To the west the byway
visitor is afforded views of Lake Superior.
Upon leaving Eagle River the area sounding
the route is bounded heavily by hardwood
forest. The route then enters the area referred
to as Great Sand Bay, from Great Sand Bay to
Eagle River Timber Bridge
Eagle Harbor. Eagle Harbor is also a mix of Photo Courtesy of Washington State University, Civil &
residential units and tourist related business. Environmental Engineering 2000
The community is situated on a small harbor.
This segment ends at the intersection at Eagle Harbor Road.
41
Points of Interest:
Bammert Blacksmith Shop
Sand Hills Lighthouse
Veale Park
Eagle River Bridge Park
Eagle River Cemetery
(Evergreen Cemetery)
Tour of Historic Eagle River
Eagle River Historic District
Douglas Houghton Memorial
Keweenaw County Courthouse
Complex
Eagle River Park
Great Sand Bay Scenic Turnout
Copper Falls Park
Eagle Harbor
Eagle River Lighthouse
Keweenaw County Historical
Museum
Eagle Harbor Lighthouse
Eagle Harbor Schoolhouse
(Rathbone School)
Eagle Harbor Cemetery
Segment Notes:
11.1 Bammert Blacksmith Shop Signage: The facility
is site of the Keweenaw County Historical Society.
Keweenaw County Historical Society is a Keweenaw
Heritage Site. Sign provides adequate warning in
northbound direction, however sign is double-sided and
does not provide byway users warning in the
southbound lane (traveler has passed access point for
site before seeing sign). Sign is difficult to read at 55 MPH.
11.2 Eagle River Signage: Downtown Eagle River contains a number of interpretive
directional and business orientated signage.
Sign provides historical
information on the
community of Eagle
River.
Sign provides advertising
for businesses in Eagle
River
42
Signs in ROW at the Jam
Lady. Signs can be
distracting to byway user.
11.3 Jacob Falls: This site is marked by a sign in
northbound direction. Visitors park on the shoulder of
the road or at adjacent businesses to access the site. Site
is located at a tight curve in the highway. Site would
benefit from designated parking area and signage
directing visitor to that parking area and to adjacent
hiking trail.
11.4 Signage for Michigan Nature Association Trail at
Great Sand Bay: Site has No Signage in ROW to alert
motorists of area or parking. Visitors park on shoulder
of road to access the site.
Site would benefit from
cautionary signage and signs directing visitor to parking.
11.5 M- 26 Corridor in Eagle Harbor: Corridor is dense with directional, tourist and
wayfinding oriented signage.
Northbound Signs
43
Southbound Signs
11.6 Eagle Harbor Lighthouse Complex – Facility is maintained by the Keweenaw
County Historical Society and is a heritage site of Keweenaw National Historical Park.
Site is served by one sign at intersection with M-26 and the point that the lighthouse is
on. Sign placement, size and lettering is difficult for visitors to read from the highway.
44
Segment 12: M-26- Eagle Harbor Road (Eagle Harbor) to US-41 / M-26
Intersection (Copper Harbor)
Traveling northbound this segment of M-26 begins with the intersection with Eagle
Harbor Road in the community of Eagle Harbor. Once leaving Eagle Harbor the
highway corridor “narrows”; there are few areas that offer soft road shoulders and trees
are close to the roadway‟s fog line. Travelers pass through mixed forest area and pass
Lake Bailey, a small inland lake. At Brockway Mountain Drive the route forks. M-26
follows the Lake Superior shoreline for the reminder of the route before entering the
community of Copper Harbor. This part of the drive offers the visitor a number of
scenic views, there are a small number of seasonal and year-round residents along the
lakeshore portion of the drive.
Points of Interest:
Eagle Harbor Marina
Silver River Falls Park
Esrey Park
Hebard Roadside Park
Lake Bailey Boat Launch
Lake Bailey Audubon Sanctuary
Brockway Mountain Drive
Oren Krumm Audubon Trail/Brockway Mountain Audubon Sanctuary
Copper Harbor Marina
45
Section Notes:
12.1 Eagle Harbor Marina: Signs are positioned well to warn travelers of site. Signs are
difficult to read at 55 MPH.
Northbound Sign
Southbound Sign
12.2 Hebard Park Signs: MDOT Park is signed from both northbound and southbound
directions. Amenities include vault toilets and picnic areas. Trees block the sign
approaching from southbound direction. Park would benefit from universally known
cautionary signs; signs are not constructed or reflective materials.
Possible signs to
caution travelers
of upcoming
recreation areas or
parks.
Northbound Sign
Southbound Sign
12.3 Lake Bailey Public Access: Site is a DNR access point for Lake Bailey and
amenities include vault toilet and boat lunch. Site is signed both in both north and
southbound directions. Signs have metal posts.
Northbound Sign
Southbound Sign
46
12.4 Lake Bailey Audubon Sanctuary: Sign faces roadway, but is not positioned to warn
travelers in north or southbound direction. Parking is located near sign, not clearly
marked.
12.5 Silver River Park: State Table Site Park located at the base of Brockway Mountain.
Amenities include picnic area. The park would benefit from cautionary signs.
Possible signs to
caution travelers
of upcoming
recreation areas or
parks.
12.6 Brockway Entrance Signage – Directional sign for Brockway Mountain drive.
Northbound sign is well positioned. Southbound sign can be missed, travelers may
continue pass drive before seeing the sign. Signage for the Oren Krumm Audubon
Trail/Brockway Mountain Audubon Sanctuary is located on Brockway Mountain Drive.
Northbound sign
Southbound sign
12.7 Esrey Park – MDOT Roadside Park Signage caution byway users of this park from
both the north and southbound direction. Amenities include vault toilets and picnic area.
47
Northbound sign
Southbound sign
12.8 Copper Harbor Marina and Lighthouse Boat tours – There are a number of signs
serving the Copper Harbor Marina. Brown confidence signs are mounted on metal poles.
Northbound Signs
Double sided –
Southbound view
Southbound Signs
Double sided –
Southbound view
12.9 Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Sign - Sign directs
travels to Keweenaw Mountain Lodge on US-41, one
mile south of Copper Harbor. Sign is double sided.
48
IV C. M-203 – Spur route on the Copper Country Trail
Segment 13: M-203/US-41 Intersection (City of Hancock) to US-41 / M-203
Intersection Village of Calumet
Please note that these two maps
are reproduced in different scales
and are used for reference only.
M
M--220033
Traveling northbound the spur route begins at the intersection of US-41 and M-203 in the
City of Hancock and travels west / northwest. The drive begins in the small urban area of
Hancock in a mixed business and residential area. Leaving the city limits the traveler
finds the Hancock recreation area, which includes day picnic area, camping, public
restrooms and public swimming. The route continues along the Portage Shipping canal,
where the setting becomes rural with small-populated areas of single-family homes.
McLain State Park is located where the Portage Shipping canal enters Lake Superior.
49
The route continues in a rural setting until it enters into the Village of Calumet, where it
traverse the north side of Calumet and terminates at the intersection with M-26/US-41.
Points of interest:
Houghton County Fair Grounds
Massto Hiihto Recreation Trail
Hancock Recreation Area
Hancock Campground
Ship Canal Public Access site
Churning Rapids Trail System
Lily Pond Public Access site
McLain State Park
Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entry Light
Calumet Waterworks Park
Gardeners Creek Nature Trail
Black Creek Nature Sanctuary
Segment Notes:
13.1 Maasto Hiihtto Recreation Trail: Site is signed
from northbound direction. Sign is on metal post. No
signage from southbound direction
13.2 Houghton County Fair Grounds: Sign is painted
on a building at the M-203 / Birch Street Intersection.
Sign is for northbound direction. No signage for
southbound direction.
13.3 Hancock Recreational Area: Site is signed with a large billboard style entrance
sign. Site is signed from northbound direction only. Area also has number of blue signs
stating park rules and regulations, some of which are mounted on metal poles. No signage
in southbound direction.
Northbound Signs
50
13.4 Hancock Campground: Site is signed with large billboard style entrance sign. Sign
is double sided serving both north and southbound traffic.
Northbound Sign
Southbound Sign
13.5 Ship Canal Public Access: Site is signed from both the north and southbound
directions.
Northbound Sign
Southbound Sign
13.6 Lily Pond Public Access: Site is signed from both north and southbound directions.
Site also has street sign; the road is named Public Access. Sign also has small sign
mounted on orange post out of the ROW visible from southbound direction.
Northbound Sign
Southbound Sign
Road sign on the Lily Pond access road
51
Southbound Sign
13.7 McLain State Park – Park is signed in both directions to warn travelers of park.
Double-sided entrance sign is also present at park. Park also has directional sign present
for visitors exiting the park. There is no signage for Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entry
Light, located within the Park‟s complex.
Northbound Signs:
Double sided Entrance Sign –
Southbound view
Southbound Signs:
Double sided Entrance Sign –
Southbound view
Sign when exiting McLain
State Park
13.8 Sites without signage along M-203 - There are a number of sites located along the
M-203 corridor that are not signed. These areas offer recreation opportunities to visitors
and residents of Copper Country Trail. These site include: Churning Rapids Trail
System, Calumet Waterworks Park & Gardner’s Creek Nature Trail, and Black Creek
Nature Sanctuary.
13.9 Additional site for signage / interpretation - Along M-203 heading north there is a
small parking area and what appears to be a WPA or CCC project, which closely
resembles the George Gipp Memorial Fountain within the Village of Laurium. This area
is in need of restoration and signage.
George Gipp Memorial M-26
Laurium Michigan
Photo Courtesy of John Flesher/Associated
Press
Located on M-203 South of the Village of
Calumet
52
13.10 Street Signage with in the Village of Calumet - There are number of street signs
that do not meet Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Design standards.
53
VI. Clearview Font
The Clearview font was developed through a decade of research starting in the early
1990s. The goal of the Clearview font was to increase legibility and reduce halation of
highway sign legends in comparison to that of Standard Highway Signs (SHS) Alphabets
(Highway Gothic font). This research development effort resulted in final design of
Clearview font letters in 2003. Clearview font letters were developed specifically to
address four issues with the legibility of SHS alphabets. They are:
Upgrade highway signing word messages to accommodate the needs of older
drivers without increasing the capital letter height and the overall length and
height of word messages and the signs themselves,
Improve word pattern recognition by using mixed case words of the same size
composed of lower case letters designed for highway sign applications,
Improve the speed and accuracy of destination recognition and the legibility
distance of word messages, and
Control or minimize the halation of words displayed on high brightness retroreflective materials for drivers with reduced contrast sensitivity.
Highway Gothic Font (Top) vs. Clearview (Bottom)
The Michigan Department of Transportation began a wide spread program to remove
existing freeway signage and replace them with brand-new signs with the new typeface,
Clear View, in early 2005.
54
VII. National Scenic Byways ProgramThe Byway Guidance System
Information presented below is a summary from Developing Effective Wayshowing for Byways: An
Initiative to Assist Byway Providers Help Travelers Find Their Way Along America’s Best Roads.
The National Scenic Byway (NSB) program
has developed a Byway Guidance System to
help assist Byway organizations in developing
a cohesive signage plan and signage activities.
The Byway guidance systems focuses on the
concept of wayshowing, which is to
communicate information that aids travelers in
reaching desired goals, making decisions and
taking appropriate actions.
Wayshowing is
how
byway
managers
communicate
information to travelers, helping visitors set
desired decisions and achieve destination goals.
Wayfinding is
what byway
travelers do
Seeing
Wayshowing is
what byway
providers do
Drawing
Reading
Writing
Hearing
Speaking
Learning
Teaching
The goal of this system is to meet travelers‟ needs by allowing for successful visits to
America‟s byways. NSB has identified the following traveler‟s needs, planner objectives
and signage solutions for the byway program.
TRAVELERS NEEDS
Identify the origin and destinations along
the byway;
Determine turn angles;
Identify segment links and direction of
movements;
Recognize on-route and distant landmarks;
and
Develop a visual mental route on a larger
reference frame, or develop a mental map to
the byway.
PLANNERS OBJECTIVES
Build knowledge of the beginning and end
points of the byway;
Build knowledge of the access points to
byway;
Build knowledge of the limits of the byway
corridor;
Develop reminders for visitors that they are
traveling the byway; and
To locate and safely travel to planned stops
in the byway corridor.
55
GUIDANCE SYSTEM
SIGNAGE SOLUTIONS
Example of Byway Guidance System
Image courtesy of American Byway Resource Center
1. Entrance, Exit and Gateway Signs
2. Orientation Stops
3. Repetitive Route Markers
4. Direction to Planned Stops
5. Portable Maps
Entrances,
Exits
and
Gateways—
Identification of where to enter and exit so
travelers know their position relative to
accessing and leaving a byway environment.
Orientation Stops—Pull-offs, turn-outs and
other places for motorists to stop to help them
create, refresh, and expand their mental maps
of a byway corridor, its intrinsic qualities, and
overarching interpretive theme with exhibits,
maps, and other means of communication.
Repetitive Route Markers—A sequence of
visual cues for motorists to follow along a
byway‟s entire length.
Direction
Signage
to
Planned
Destinations—Signs that alert and guide
motorists to featured stops and attractions
along the byway
A Portable Byway Map—A carry-on map of a byway corridor and its
various attractions and amenities.
56
VII A. Examples of Byway Signage
Entrances, Exits and Gateways
Orientation Stops
Repetitive Route Markers
57
Direction Signage to Planned Destinations
58
VII B. Byway Guidance System Approach to the Copper Country Trail - Map
Modeled from Byway
Guidance System
Entrances, Exits and
Gateways
Orientation Stops
Repetitive Route Markers
Direction Signage to
Planned Destinations
59
VII C. Byway Guidance System Approach to Copper
Country Trail Signage
The map (page 59) and corresponding table (below) are offered as suggestions to help
Copper Country Trail Planners with future stages of way finding and signage along the
Copper Country Trail Corridor. This information is not meant to be definitive and is
based from resources made available through the America‟s Byways Resource Center.
Symbol
Sign Family
Justification
Identification of where to enter Copper Country Trail, travelers will know
their position relative to accessing byway environment. Proposed Entrance
Signage:
Entrances,
Exits and
Gateways
Entering Houghton: US-41 south of Michigan Tech
M-26 south of retail area (Houghton)
Entering Hancock: M-26 east of Hancock / Ripley Location
M-203 West of Hancock
Calumet Area: M-26 in Laurium
M-203 in Calumet
Eagle River Area: M-26 west of Phoenix
Delaware: Lac LaBelle Road east of Delaware
Approaching Copper Harbor: M-26 south of Copper Harbor
Pull-offs, turn-outs and other places for byway users to stop and help create,
refresh, and expand their mental maps of a byway corridor. These could
double with existing facilities:
Hancock Area: MDOT Roadside Park or Quincy Mine Hoist
Orientation
Stops
Calumet - Laurium: Keweenaw National Historical Park, or Keweenaw
Convention and Visitors Bureau, or MDOT Road Park near airport.
Copper Harbor: Copper Harbor Improvement Association Visitors Center
Repetitive
Route Markers
Direction
Signage to
Planned
Destinations
A sequence of visual cues for motorists to follow along a byway‟s entire
length. These should be placed on the route shortly after traveler enters the
byway environment to build confidence and be placed with existing US41sinage whenever possible.
To be completed in conjunction with Master Interpretation Plan.
Referenced on map above to include the existing signage for Brockway
Mountain Drive.
60
VII. Action Items and Recommendations
Short Term Actions (1-3 Years)
1. Develop Copper Country Trail Signage Committee.
2. Work with MDOT to relocate existing State Scenic
Heritage Route Sign that accurately reflect the state
heritage route designation.
3. Develop location for Copper County Trail Repetitive
Route Markers.
4. Install repetitive route markers along Copper County
Trail (US-41).
5. Work with municipalities to address issues and
challenges with current wayfinding signs within the
Copper County Trail corridor.
6. Identify location s for 2-3 tourist orientation sites along
US-41.
Example of CCT Repetitive Route
Marker mounted with existing
guidance sign on US-41
Long Term Actions (3-7 Years)
1. Use recommendations from Master Interpretation Plan to
develop cohesive wayfinding signage strategies within
the Copper Country Trail corridor.
2. Develop entrance sign to Copper Country Trail working
with Keweenaw National Historical Park, City of
Hancock and City of Houghton.
3. Work with individual sites along Copper Country Trail to
develop orientation stops and signage.
61
VIII. Policies Supporting State Heritage Routes and
National Scenic Byways
VIII A. MICHIGAN HERITAGE ROUTES
Act 69 of 1993
AN ACT to designate certain highways within this state as Michigan heritage routes; to
provide procedures for additions, deletions, or changes to these routes; and to prescribe
the powers and duties of certain state agencies.
History: 1993, Act 69, Imd. Eff. June 22, 1993
The People of the State of Michigan enact:
247.951 Definitions.
Sec. 1.
As used in this act:
(a) “Commission” means the state transportation commission.
(b) “Department” means the state transportation department.
(c) “Heritage route” means a state highway that is designated in the manner provided in
this act as a scenic, recreational, or historic route that is representative of Michigan's
natural and cultural heritage.
(d) “Historic” means buildings, structures, interpreted sites, objects, or historic districts
that are significant to the history, archaeology, architecture, engineering, or culture of this
state.
(e) “Recreational” means facilities normally associated with leisure-time activities,
including, but not limited to, parks, public access sites, wildlife refuges, forest areas,
marinas, swimming areas, hiking trails, and sightseeing areas.
(f) “Scenic” means an area of outstanding natural beauty whose features include, but are
not limited to, significant natural features such as vegetation, land form, water, and open
areas with exceptional vistas and views, that singly or in combination make that area
unique and distinct in character.
62
(g) “State trunkline highway system” means the system described in section 1 of Act No.
51 of the Public Acts of 1951, being section 247.651 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.
247.952 Intent of the legislature.
Sec. 2.
It is the intent of the legislature to establish the state's responsibility for the enhancement
and enjoyment of Michigan's scenic, recreational, and historic resources along its
roadside by identifying and designating certain portions of the state trunkline highway
system as Michigan heritage routes. It is further the intent of the legislature in designating
these heritage routes to assign responsibility for the development of the routes and for the
establishment and application of specific planning and design criteria and procedures
appropriate to these routes. The legislature further intends to provide criteria for the
location and length of routes and adjacent areas requiring continuing and careful
coordination of planning, design, construction, maintenance, land use, and development,
by state and local agencies as appropriate, to encourage adjacent land use consistent with
the intent of the designation.
247.953 Heritage routes; characteristics.
Sec. 3.
Certain portions of the state trunkline highway system are so uniquely endowed by
natural aesthetic, ecological, environmental, and cultural amenities immediately adjacent
to the roadside that their use by a larger percentage of the motoring public, particularly
during the recreational season, is for the experience of traveling the road rather than as a
route to a destination. Because of the immediate proximity of these features, roads may
possess characteristics such as the following: pavement width of 16 to 20 feet, shoulders
as narrow as 2 feet with trees immediately adjacent, curves that restrict maximum legal
speeds, hills, steep side slopes, and narrow rights-of-way. The improvement philosophy
for these roads is to maintain the essential elements of the road and the area immediately
surrounding the road that create its unique character.
63
247.954 Criteria and procedures for identification of heritage routes; public
hearing; review and comment by legislature; factors to be considered; action by
local governmental agencies.
Sec. 4.
(1) Not more than 60 days after the effective date of this act, the department shall submit
recommendations to the commission regarding uniform criteria and procedures for the
identification of heritage routes. The commission shall hold a public hearing to receive
input on the criteria and procedures for the identification of heritage routes forwarded by
the department. These criteria shall include, but not be limited to, route selection,
maintenance, resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of existing roads, and the design
of new roads. Criteria shall not include requirements pertaining to private or commercial
signs. Requirements regarding those signs shall be as otherwise provided by law. Routes
shall not be designated as heritage routes under this act until the commission submits the
proposed criteria and procedures to the legislature for review and comment. The
commission shall submit the proposed criteria and procedures to the standing committees
of the senate and house of representatives that consider transportation matters for review
and comment. If the committees do not hold hearings within 30 days after the date of
submission, the criteria and procedures shall be considered approved.
(2) In establishing heritage routes, the department shall take into consideration the
concept of the complete highway, which is a highway incorporating not only safety,
utility, and economy but also beauty. The department shall also take into consideration
that in a complete highway pleasing appearance is a consideration in the planning and
design process. The department may designate portions of a road as a heritage route.
Designation of a heritage route shall also require that local governmental agencies have
taken such action as may be necessary to protect the integrity of the designated route as
stipulated in the criteria.
247.955 Identification of highways; publication of proposed routes; hearings by
legislative standing committees; designation.
Sec. 5.
Upon approval of the criteria and procedures by the commission, and notification of the
legislature, the department shall identify those state highways that satisfy the criteria and
shall publish a proposed system of heritage routes. The department shall solicit public
comment for 30 days. The standing committees of the senate and house of representatives
that consider transportation matters shall hold hearings regarding the proposed system of
heritage routes. If the committees do not hold hearings within the 30-day comment
period, the system shall be considered approved. Not more than 60 days after the close of
64
the comment period, the department shall designate a system of routes as the Michigan
heritage route system.
247.956 Planning, design, reconstruction, and maintenance of routes; criteria.
Sec. 6.
Planning, design, reconstruction, and maintenance of all designated heritage routes shall
be governed by the criteria established by this act to ensure that these routes are
reasonably safe and fit for travel, while preserving the unique characteristics that qualify
them as heritage routes.
247.957 Additions, deletions, or changes.
Sec. 7.
After a 30-day comment period and an opportunity for a public hearing, the department
may make additions, deletions, or changes or not make additions in the Michigan heritage
route system for 1 or more of the following reasons:
(a) By resolution, the governing body of a county or city requests that a particular named
route lying within its jurisdictional boundaries be added to or deleted from the Michigan
heritage route system. The department shall not add a route to the system if the governing
body of a county or city adopts a resolution requesting that a route not be added. The
department shall remove a route from the system within 1 year after a resolution is
adopted by a county or city requesting removal.
(b) The department proposes to add or delete any named route or portion of a route to the
Michigan heritage route system.
(c) The department proposes any action which would result in a change in the scenic,
historical, or recreational character of any route on the Michigan heritage route system
that is determined to be substantial by the department.
247.958 Report.
65
Sec. 8.
By December 31 each year, the department shall report to the commission, the governor,
and the legislature the following information regarding this act:
(a) Routes designated during the previous year.
(b) Deletions or other changes made in the heritage route system during the previous
year.
© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan
Rendered 6/30/2009 11:10:35
© 2009
Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 39, and 48 of 2009
66
VIII B. TOURIST-ORIENTED DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
Act 299 of 1996
AN ACT to regulate tourist-oriented directional signs on certain rural roads; and to
impose certain duties upon the state transportation department.
The People of the State of Michigan enact:
247.401 Definitions.
Sec. 1.
As used in this act:
(a) "Department" means the state transportation department.
(b) "Eligible attraction" means a tourist-oriented activity that is all of the following:
(i) Within 10 miles of the rural road for which a tourist-oriented directional sign is
sought, unless otherwise restricted or permitted by the department.
(ii) Not visible from the rural road for which a tourist-oriented directional sign is sought.
(iii) In compliance with section 131 of title 23 of the United States Code, 23 USC 131,
and the national standards, criteria, and rules established under that act, if the activity is
advertised by rural road signs.
(c) "Rural road" means a highway as that term is defined in section 20 of the Michigan
vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.20, but does not include either of the following:
(i) A freeway as that term is defined in section 18a of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949
PA 300, MCL 257.18a.
(ii) A road that is part of the national system of interstate and defense highways.
(d) "Tourist-oriented activity" means a lawful cultural, historical, recreational,
educational, or commercial activity that is annually attended by 2,000 or more people and
for which a major portion of the activity's income or visitors are derived during the
normal business season from motorists not residing in the immediate area of the activity.
67
(e) "Tourist-oriented directional sign" means a sign used to provide motorists with
advanced notice of a tourist-oriented activity.
History: 1996, Act 299, Imd. Eff. June 19, 1996 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 528, Imd. Eff. Jan. 3, 2005
247.402 Tourist-oriented directional signs and markers; placement program;
contract with nongovernmental entity.
Sec. 2.
(1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this act, the department shall implement a
program for the placement of tourist-oriented directional signs and markers within the
right-of-way of those portions of rural roads within state jurisdiction. At a minimum, the
program shall include all of the following:
(a) The form of the application for a permit to participate in the program.
(b) The criteria for limiting the number of permits for a single site or area.
(c) The criteria for issuing a permit for which multiple applications have been received.
(d) The removal or covering of signs, if necessary, during the off-season of an eligible
attraction that operates seasonally.
(e) Criteria for including on a sign the season and hours of operation of an eligible
attraction.
(f) Criteria for awarding sign manufacturing, installation, or maintenance contracts to
nongovernmental agencies.
(g) A provision specifying that a person who obtains a permit under this act is responsible
for payment of all costs incurred in the replacement of a sign, including the costs of
manufacturing and installing the replacement sign, and covering of the sign, if necessary.
(h) Provision for the establishment of a review board to consider and grant or deny
applications for the waiver of distance requirements imposed under this act for touristoriented directional signs. The review board shall consist of at least 1 member
representative of the state transportation department, at least 1 member representative of
the department of agriculture, at least 1 member representative of the Michigan travel
bureau, and at least 2 members representative of persons in the general public who are
engaged in tourist-oriented activities.
(2) The department may authorize a nongovernmental entity to manufacture, install, and
maintain signs under this act pursuant to a written contract. The written contract shall not
68
prohibit the nongovernmental entity from making a reasonable profit, which shall be
determined by the department.
247.403 Directional sign program; participation by operator of tourist-oriented
activity; application; fee; determination; appeal; issuance of permit; order canceling
permit; removal of signs; tourist-oriented directional signs.
Sec. 3.
(1) The operator of a tourist-oriented activity who wishes to participate in a directional
sign program under this act shall submit to the department or its designee an application
described in section 2. If the department or its designee determines that an application is
complete and that the applicant has complied with this act, the department or its designee
shall notify the applicant of that determination in writing. If the applicant pays the permit
fee following receipt of the written notice described in this subsection, the department or
its designee shall issue the permit.
(2) If the department or its designee determines that an application is incomplete or that
the applicant has not complied with this act, the department or its designee shall provide
the applicant with written notice specifying the factual basis of that determination. A
person aggrieved by a determination under this act may appeal the determination
pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to
24.328.
(3) The department shall establish the time period for which a permit issued or renewed
under this section is valid. Additionally, the department shall establish criteria for the
cancellation of a permit issued or renewed under this section.
(4) The department or its designee shall not issue permits that would result in installation
of more signs at a single site than are permitted under this act. If applications for sign
installation at a single site exceed the number of signs permitted for that site, permits
shall be issued in accordance with the program described in section 2.
(5) If the eligible attraction for which a permit is in effect ceases operation, the owner or
operator of that eligible attraction shall immediately return the permit to the department
or the department's designee for cancellation.
(6) If the department or its designee has reasonable cause to believe that an eligible
attraction for which a permit is in effect has ceased operation, the director of the
department shall issue an order canceling the permit and provide the holder of that permit
with a copy of the order. If the order is not appealed in a timely manner, or if the order is
69
appealed and the cancellation is affirmed, the director shall order the removal of the sign
or signs governed by the canceled permit.
(7) In addition to the other requirements of this section, the operator of a tourist-oriented
activity who wishes to participate in a directional sign program under this act and is
applying for a sign that would reside within the boundaries of an incorporated city or
village shall have the application approved by the incorporated city or village if the
incorporated city or village has adopted an ordinance that allows tourist-oriented
directional signs within the jurisdictional boundaries of the incorporated city or village. If
the incorporated city or village has not adopted an ordinance that allows tourist-oriented
directional signs, then a tourist-oriented directional sign shall not be posted within the
jurisdictional limits of the incorporated city or village. If the incorporated city or village
has adopted an ordinance allowing tourist-oriented directional signs, the incorporated city
or village may reject any application for tourist-oriented directional signs within the
jurisdictional limits of the incorporated city or village.
History: 1996, Act 299, Imd. Eff. June 19, 1996 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 528, Imd. Eff. Jan. 3, 2005
247.404 Sign specifications; symbols; multiple signs; location.
Sec. 4.
(1) The size, location, design, and arrangement of each tourist-oriented directional sign
subject to this act shall conform to the specifications for signs contained in the state
manual of uniform traffic control devices.
(2) The department shall develop optional, standardized symbols for different types of
activities associated with eligible attractions. The symbols may be used on signs in
conjunction with other directional information. If more than 1 eligible attraction requires
a sign at the same location, multiple signs may be combined on the same panel in
accordance with the state manual of uniform traffic control devices.
(3) Signs governed by this act may be erected at locations the department determines
appropriate to ensure adequate sight distance, intersection vehicle maneuvers, and public
safety.
247.405 Permit fee; calculation; public notice.
Sec. 5.
70
The department or its designee may impose a reasonable fee for a permit issued under
this act, which shall be calculated to include reimbursement for the department's
anticipated costs in implementing and administering this act, including the costs of
installing, repairing, covering during an off-season, and removing signs. However, at
least 60 days before the imposition of a fee or fee increase under this section, the
department shall provide public notice of the proposed fee or fee increase to the general
public and shall notify in writing standing committees of the legislature that are primarily
responsible for transportation and tourism issues.
© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan
Rendered 6/30/2009 11:06:49
© 2009
Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 39, and 48 of 2009
71
VIII C. Support and Policy on National Scenic Byway Signs
Section 2D.52 from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
Section 2D.52 National Scenic Byways Signs (D6-4, D6-4a)
Support:
Certain roads have been designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as National
Scenic Byways or All-American Roads based on their archeological, cultural, historic,
natural, recreational, or scenic qualities.
Option:
State and local highway agencies may install the National Scenic Byways (D6-4 or D64a) signs at entrance points to a route that has been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of
Transportation as a National Scenic Byway or an All-American road. The D6-4 or D6-4a
sign may be installed on route sign assemblies (see Figure 2D-14) or as part of larger
roadside structures. National Scenic Byways Signs may also be installed at periodic
intervals along the designated route and at intersections where the designated route turns
or follows a different numbered highway. At locations where roadside features have been
developed to enhance the traveler's experience such as rest areas, historic sites,
interpretive facilities, or scenic overlooks, the National Scenic Byways Sign may be
placed on the associated sign assembly to inform travelers that the site contributes to the
byway travel experience.
Standard:
When a National Scenic Byways Sign is installed on a National Scenic Byway or an AllAmerican Road, the design shown for the D6-4 or D6-4a sign in Figure 2D-14 shall be
used. Use of this design shall be limited to routes that have been designated as a National
Scenic Byway or All-American Roads by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
If used, the D6-4 or D6-4a sign shall be placed such that the roadway route signs have
primary visibility for the road user.
72
Figure 2D-14. Examples of Use of the National Scenic Byways Sign
This figure shows two National Scenic Byways signs and three examples of its use.
D6-4 is shown as a square white sign with a blue border. At the top of the sign, a logo of
a waving blue flag is shown in the shape of an undulating two-lane highway with a
dashed white centerline, with one white star on the centerline. Below the flag are the
words "AMERICA'S BYWAYS" in red on two lines.
D6-4a is shown as a horizontal rectangular white sign with a blue border. To the left, a
logo of a waving blue flag is shown in the shape of an undulating two-lane highway with
a dashed white centerline, with one white star on the centerline. To the right of the flag
are the words "AMERICA'S BYWAYS" in red on one line.
The first use example shows a horizontal rectangular National Scenic Byways sign at the
bottom of a route marker assembly of four signs. A horizontal rectangular white sign with
the word "NORTH" in black is shown as the topmost sign above a square black state
route number sign with the numerals "59" on a white disc. The National Scenic Byways
sign is shown as the second sign below the route number sign. The third sign is shown as
a horizontal rectangular white sign with a right-pointing horizontal black arrow.
The second example is shown as the same as the first but with a square instead of
rectangular National Scenic Byways sign and without the directional arrow sign.
The third example shows a square National Scenic Byways sign above a horizontal
rectangular white sign with a diagonal black arrow pointing up and to the right.
* The above information is taken directly from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
2003 Version.
73
Appendix
The Appendices include a comprehensive inventory of ROW signage along US41(Copper Country Trail), M-203, and M-26 on the Keweenaw Peninsula.
The routes were field inventoried over a number of days during summer, 2008 and
spring, 2009. Routes were inventoried by lane direction; signs are ordered by north or
southbound lane direction. The inventory includes the following information:
Description of the sign‟s text (when applicable);
Quantity;
Sign location (Latitude/Longitude);
Mounting details;
General shape;
Color(s);
Posted highway speed;
MUTCD code (when applicable); and
Sign supply (when applicable/based on program).
Information in bold
signifies correlating photo
Items shaded in grey share mounting structure
(Photo in example illustrates two signs : SOUTH / 41
74
APPENDIX A: US-41 North Bound
APPENDIX B: US-41 South Bound
APPENDIX C: M-26 North Bound
APPENDIX D: M-26 South Bound
APPENDIX E: M-203 North Bound
APPENDIX G: M-203 South Bound
Currently Under Development
75

Corridor Way finding Inventory for US-41, M-26 and M

Transcription

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