Who took the ‘M’ out of M-22?

From staff reports

M-22 is a scenic road that hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, it’s the namesake of a triathlon, it’s an apparel brand, and apparently also a hot commodity for thieves. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) says it has replaced approximately 90 M-22 road signs in the past three years.

Now, MDOT will remove the ‘M’ from new M-22 signs it installs along the state highway. The state agency estimates that each sign costs $325-$350 to manufacture and install.

“We’ve tried other methods to dissuade theft,” says MDOT communications representative James Lake who says that the popularity of M-22 signs have posed a unique challenge to MDOT. “We have mounted the signs higher off the ground, we’ve used different hardware to attach them, but thieves find a way.”

Lake adds that the agency has been quietly replacing M-22 signs with ‘22’ signs over the past three years, and not a single road marker without the ‘M’ has been stolen.

“I know people would rather see the traditional ‘M-22’ signs, but we’ve only resorted to this method to protect the taxpayer’s investment.”

M is for ‘mmm’

What does the missing ‘M’ represent? We thought we’d have a little fun with this story.

Here’s our top 5 list. (22 seemed like too many!):

5) Maritime. Sleeping Bear Bay is an important oasis on the Great Lakes shipping route.

4) Magnificent. The views around every corner of this state highway.

3) Michigan driver’s license. Everyone who has one should get a free M-22 sign!

2) Memorable. Your visit to Leelanau County, which the Ojibwe call the
“land of delight”

1) Manitou Islands. They look so close on placid days that you could reach them by skipping a stone.