Interstate 96

Interstate 96 is a federal freeway that runs approximately 192 miles from Norton Shores to Detroit in the southern half of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The multi-lane highway connects western coastal areas with the industrial and commercial center of Detroit, passing through several counties and communities along the way.

The highway replaced U.S. Route 16 in 1963, marking a modernization of the state's transportation infrastructure. The construction was part of a broader national program to develop the Interstate Highway System that shaped America in the mid-20th century.

The Detroit section has been named Rosa Parks Memorial Highway since 2005, honoring a key figure in the civil rights movement. The route connects thousands of daily commuters traveling between western Michigan's coastal communities and the Detroit metropolitan area.

The freeway is open year-round and carries about 200,000 vehicles daily, so expect peak traffic during early morning and late afternoon hours. Travelers should be aware of winter weather conditions, as snow and ice can significantly affect driving conditions and visibility along the route.

This is Michigan's only two-digit Interstate highway that runs entirely within the state's borders. What makes this notable is that most Interstate highways connect multiple states, making a route confined to just one state quite rare within the national system.

Location: Muskegon County

Location: Ottawa County

Location: Kent County

Location: Ionia County

Location: Clinton County

Location: Eaton County

Location: Ingham County

Location: Livingston County

Location: Oakland County

Location: Wayne County

Inception: 1959

GPS coordinates: 42.66880,-84.35490

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:54