Aging of road surfaces and shortages and increasing costs of oil-based products in the 1970's brought on the recycling of existing pavements.
decisions was to approve sale of $217 million in revenue bonds to pay the state's share of programs for bus, rail passenger, rail freight, waterways and port development. It coincided with findings of Michigan's first multimodal transportation needs study, conducted by transportation officials representing all travel modes and covering the years 1977 through 1989. The study concluded that transportation systems would need more than $30 billion in 1977 dollars to bring their services and facilities up to "reasonable levels." Projected revenues from existing sources indicated the money available would meet only about one-third of the needs.
At the age of 75, the department could look back on a proud record of accomplishment. By any standard of measurement. Michigan's state highway system, comprised of all I-, US- and M- numbered highways, totaling 9,470 miles, is among the finest in the nation. It is the backbone of Michigan's highway, road and street network extending for nearly 117,000 miles.
Today, the department not only develops, maintains and administers the state highway system but also provides direction and expertise for Michigan's total transportation system, ranging from airport development to water transportation. That is the multi-purpose function it is likely to serve from now on.
Starting in the 1970's gas taxes helped pay for modern city buses like this one, picking up passengers in downtown Detroit.
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