M-28 (Michigan highway)

M-28 (Michigan highway) is a 290-mile-long east–west state trunkline highway in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. It serves as a vital transportation corridor, connecting the western end of the peninsula at Wakefield to the eastern terminus at Sault Ste. Marie. The highway traverses diverse landscapes, including the rugged terrain of the Porcupine Mountains and the southern shore of Lake Superior, while linking numerous communities and providing access to major recreational areas.

Route description

Beginning at a junction with US 2 in Wakefield, M-28 proceeds eastward through the Gogebic Range, passing near the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. It continues through the towns of Bergland and Bruce Crossing before entering the Copper Country region near Ontonagon. The route then follows the southern shoreline of Lake Superior, passing through the cities of Houghton and Marquette, the largest city on its path. East of Munising, the highway turns inland, crossing the Hiawatha National Forest and the Tahquamenon River before reaching its eastern terminus at a complex interchange with Interstate 75 and US 2 on the outskirts of Sault Ste. Marie. Key geographical features along the route include the Presque Isle River and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

History

The highway was first designated in 1919, initially running from Wakefield to Covington. By 1926, it was extended east to Marquette, and by 1938, it reached its current eastern terminus in Sault Ste. Marie, replacing sections of M-94 and M-117. Significant realignments occurred in the 1950s and 1960s, including bypasses constructed around Newberry and Munising. The final segment to be paved was completed in 1960. The routing has remained largely stable since, with the most notable modern change being the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, which influenced traffic patterns on connecting routes like I-75.

Major intersections

Major junctions are listed from west to east. The entire route is in the Upper Peninsula. * in Wakefield * in Bruce Crossing * north of Wakefield * in Watersmeet * in Ontonagon * in Houghton * in Chassell * in Baraga * in Marquette * south of Munising * in Seney * in Newberry * in Raco * in Sault Ste. Marie

Business loop

A business loop, designated M-28 Bus., serves the downtown area of Newberry. This route branches from mainline M-28 to the north, following Newberry Avenue and McMillan Avenue through the commercial center of the village before rejoining the trunkline to the east. The loop provides direct access to local businesses, the Newberry Regional Mental Health Center, and the Tahquamenon Area Schools district.

Category:Michigan state highways