The Michigan State Highway Department rerouted M-33/M-72 near Fairview in late 1951 or early 1952, turning the former route back to local control. In the middle of 1953, the section of M-65/M-72 in Alcona County was straightened and paved. All but the western three miles (4.8 km) of the earthen highway section opened in 1940 were paved in 1957. By the middle of 1961, the highway would be paved in its entirety. A new section of highway was opened in 1973, rerouting M-66 and M-72 due west from their junction to US 131, bypassing a former routing north into Kalkaska.