Michigan Turnpike Authority

**laphoque** · November-09-11, 12:14 AM

On Michigan Ave before Fairlane there's an old toll booth. http://g.co/maps/68u3u I think that's quite old though... I thought I took a picture that I had somewhere. Google's resolution is hindering my online stalking abilities.

**DetroitPlanner** · November-09-11, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by laphoque

On Michigan Ave before Fairlane there's an old toll booth. http://g.co/maps/68u3u I think that's quite old though... I thought I took a picture that I had somewhere. Google's resolution is hindering my online stalking abilities.

Tunrpikes on Plank Roads go back to the 1840's and stagecoaches. This is well before modern tollways. This was back when the roads were privately owned and you would have to pay each farmer to use them.

**Detroitnerd** · November-09-11, 10:59 AM

No doubt these authorities were modeled in part on Robert Moses' enormously successful Triborough Authority, a quasi-governmental organization that eventually wielded more power and money than many cities... then when the Federal subsidies rose to 90 percent, authorities were reserved for other projects, such as bridges, etc.