Badger designated as part of U.S. 10

Model A’s, that once roamed highways like U.S. 10, drive off the SS Badger. MCP File Photo.

LUDINGTON — The S.S. Badger has officially been designated as a continuance of U.S. 10. Since 1926, the highway has been broken into two segments,  Bay City to Ludington then Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Fargo, North Dakota, divided by Lake Michigan.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has now designated the Badger as part of the route. AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing highway and transportation departments in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and works in tandem with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Wisconsin Department of Transporation. AASHTO represents all five transportation modes: air, highways, public transportation, rail, and water.

Greg Johnson, chief operations officer for MDOT stated, “The Michigan Department of Transportation is happy to be a partner with the Michigan-based Lake Michigan Carferry Service and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in creating this U.S.-10 designation across Lake Michigan.  The ferry service plays an important role in the tourism industry, as well as the efficient movements of goods in our two states.”

“We are very pleased that both states recognize the current and historic importance of the Ludington to Manitowoc ferry route serviced by the SS Badger,” said Pat McCarthy, LMC vice president of shore operations.