• Wednesday-What'sUP July 27 - 12:29 pm

The higher you go, the harder it is to figure out exactly where you are. At least that's been my experience when flying, so it's a good thing our guide for today, E. Neil Harri, plainly labeled the area for us. What a unique perspective of the construction of the new M-26 between the towns of South Range and Trimountain. In case you're still having trouble figuring out the lay of the land, this might help.

On the top photo, lower left-hand side, look for something that resembles a baseball diamond with large white borders. That would be the South Range Elementary School, which is on the old curve as you enter or leave South Range, depending on your direction. If you have a high speed connection, such as our very own Pasty.NET wireless service, you can click on the following links to check out both of Neil's shots in a large format: Top Photo - Bottom Photo.

Good morning!! Where would Painsedale be in these pics?

You sure can see where they are putting the new M-26 from Trimountain to South Range. I wonder how everyone feels about the change in the road?

I realize the need for the change, probably a ton of accidents on that stretch, but on the other hand, it is one of the greatest rides up there. It looks cool and the curves are great.

I suppose you will still be able to drive that stretch...its truly one of the more scenic in the area.

It also looks as if its going around SR ???? here in Wisconsin, they've killed several towns with bypass highways. Yes, you get to where you're going quicker and releave some conjestion, but no one drives by your business and drive by shopping is gone. kills restaurants

by the way, Painsedale in going from the bottom on the lower pic.

Kenty, Painsedale isn't in these pictures, is just on the other side of Trimountain about a mile.

Right. Painesdale is not in shots. I just wanted to show new stretch of M-26

Great pictures, thanks for sharing. I drive that stretch to work every day from Painesdale. I don't think I will be missing the curves. Never put my vehicle in the ditch, had way too much respect for those curves. Wait until everyone sees the view from the highway as it enters South Range by the VFW. I walked up there on the 4th of July. It is absolutely beautiful. Definitely worth the curves tradeoff. The project has to be complete by October and the last I heard, they were ahead of schedule.

Cool Pictures, I think the new road is a good thing.

If you want to drive this new highway on a regular basis, check out the property in Painesdale on eBay: Item Number: 250012091337
We can carpool if you want ;)

I have to agree with Davesou, I'm going to miss that stretch of M-26 the next time I'm up there. It was great if you had a good handling car, the road was dry AND there was no traffic to contend with...

On the other hand, I do see the need to straighten out the road along that stretch. There were many a time in the winter when vehicles missed a curve and ended up kissing a tree. I don't know how far they are along in the construction, but from the looks of the width the trees are cut back on the new road, it almost appears the new road might be 4 lanes between the towns, any word???

As far as I've heard, the new highway will be 4 lanes. I can understand how some will miss the curves and their beauty, but until you drive them everyday and have cars fishtail towards you and you towards them, the road will only be a mark of beauty. I'll be ready for the new road!

Capt. Paul, The water lines are being relocated on that stretch alongside the highway. That may be the reason why it looks like the clearing is wide. I don't believe the plans call for 4 lanes. Although I have heard rumors of the addition of another lane on the stretch of M26 in Atlantic Mine leading to the Mall. Last week I noticed power poles have been put up on the opposite side of that highway. Time will tell.

They call it progress! Will the old highway remain open after the new highway is complete?

Another question...isn't there a snowmobile trail, the Bill Nicholls(sp?), that crosses M-26? If so, snowmobilers will have to take extra care in crossing.

The old highway will only go a short distance outside of South Range from what I am told. About where that dirt road will take you to back off Whealkate. Then it will get ground up the rest of the way to Trimountain.
The Bill Nichols trail already crosses M-26 on the main street in South Range. From what I am told, it will be pretty much the same, crossing M-26 over by the VFW. You can see the trail running along side the new road by the VFW.

Don't forget to check out that great album too!

JanieT the trail is not going to move, it will cross M-26 just south of the VFW. If you go to www.johndee.com and click on the trail cam on the left side of the screen you can see the trail crossing and the new section of M-26.

Steve, being a snowmobiler, I been hooked on John's site since nearly day one of it's start. That trail cam has been interesting to watch, first there were trees, and now not too many. And the many poses of passing snowmobilers and their signs!

At any rate, it's going to seem a bit odd to drive up M-26 and not have those curves there anymore. I totally agree with the new road though, it's long overdue.....

I welcome the new road. I have driven those curves almost everyday of my life for the past 24 years. I will not miss them at all. From what I understand, the new road has some spectacular views of it's own. There has been a lot of talk about putting a scenic look-out on the new road.

Doesn't look any shorter!

I'm with the "no change" folks. The new highway will just allow for more speed. I predict that in 10 years the accidents will NOT decrease. I loved the curves. The problem isn't the road, it's the drivers. Bah. Humbug!

Yep, Jed, I told ya they shoulda never paved that road, that'll just allow for more speed! the ol' road was plenty good enuf!

Love that picture FRNash!! My grandparents on the way to their place said the road use to wash out all the time in the spring. Times sure have come along way since then.

Happy...:

Yes, and I remember tales of backing up the Military Hill (on US-45) 'cuz the hill was so steep that otherwise the gas wouldn't get to the engine from the rear-mounted gravity-fed gas tank!

I just happening to click on the website after a long absence and I can really reminisce about the curves between South Range and Trimountain. As a little boy who visited Houghton each summer, I can still hear my uncle Adolph Walter's words stating how dangerous and how often accidents and deaths occurred from guys plowing into trees coming from bars early in the morning hours going around those curves. This was in the l950s. He used to kid about how the Houghton Gazette wrote about the accidents - " he couldn't negotiate the curve" on time. The curves are very scenic,however, and I hope that existing curvy road will be an option for drivers as I like to remember how it once was when I come up to Houghton.

In reading the M-Dot info on the project, the old road will be removed.

In addition, the new road will not be 4 lane the entire way, but will have passing lanes available.

Much like the curve taken out of M-26 North of South Range, I personally feel both areas should have remained. It was not the road that caused the accidents, however it was the drivers on it.