Under the administration of State Highway Commissioner "Pat" Van Wagoner (1933-1940), Michigan conducted one of the nation’s first state highway needs studies, laying groundwork for Detroit’s freeway system and improved highway financing. He established the first roadside park on the state highway system and the nation’s first permanent state highway travel information center. Van Wagoner was the only state highway commissioner ever elected governor (1940). The causeway built into the Straits of Mackinac during his administration was the first concrete step in construction of the Mackinac Bridge. He served two terms (1938-1940) as president of the American Road Builders Association.