Editing Interstate 96 (section)

==History==
Interstate 96 was mostly constructed in sections that opened from 1957 to 1962, but it was not completed in the Detroit area until 1977. Even before the [[Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956|National Interstate and Defense Highways Act]] was signed in 1956, the route was being planned as a replacement of the old US&nbsp;16, which was [[decommissioned highway|decommissioned]] in the state in 1962.

===Beginnings===
{{see also|U.S. Route 16 in Michigan|l1=US Highway 16 in Michigan}}
The Muskegon–Grand Rapids–Lansing–Detroit corridor was initially named the Grand River Road,<ref name=woodard>{{cite book |last = Woodard |first = Sadie G. |title = Grand River Road: A Traveler's View of a Historic Route that Traversed Early Michigan |location = Lansing, Michigan |publisher = Plane Tree Press |year = 1966 |page = 12 |oclc = 433271 }}</ref> an Indian trail<ref name=WCRC1>{{cite web |author = [[Wayne County Department of Public Services]] |title = Part I: An Indian Trail |work = History: The River Road |publisher = Wayne County Department of Public Services |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071218204055/http://www.waynecounty.com/dps_roads/history/written_history.htm |url = http://www.waynecounty.com/dps_roads/history/written_history.htm |archive-date = December 18, 2007 |access-date = September 6, 2010 }}</ref> that was designated as a military highway in 1825.<ref name=WCRC2>{{cite web |author = Wayne County Department of Public Services |title = Part II: A Military Road |work = History: The River Road |publisher = Wayne County Department of Public Services |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071219144832/http://www.waynecounty.com/dps_roads/history/written_history2.htm |url = http://www.waynecounty.com/dps_roads/history/written_history2.htm |archive-date = December 19, 2007 |access-date = September 6, 2010 }}</ref> The roadway was included as a branch of "Division&nbsp;2" of the [[Michigan State Trunkline Highway System|State Trunkline Highway System]] when that was created in May 1913.<ref name=STLA>{{cite book |author = Michigan Legislature |chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=7kXiAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA1868 |title = The Compiled Laws of the State of Michigan |volume = 1 |year = 1915 |chapter = Chapter&nbsp;91: State Reward Trunk Line Highways |pages = 1868–72 |location = Lansing, Michigan |publisher = Wynkoop, Hallenbeck, Crawford |editor1-last = Shields |editor1-first = Edmund C. |editor2-last = Black |editor2-first = Cyrenius P. |editor3-last = Broomfield |editor3-first = Archibald |access-date = January 24, 2012 |oclc = 44724558 |name-list-style = amp }}</ref> When the system was signposted in 1919,<ref name=press-1919-09-20>{{cite news |title = Michigan May Do Well Following Wisconsin's Road Marking System |work = [[The Grand Rapids Press]] |date = September 20, 1919 |page = 10 |oclc = 9975013 }}</ref> the highway was assigned the [[M-16 (Michigan highway)|M-16]] designation.<ref name=MSHD19LP>{{cite MDOT map |date= 1919-07-01L |link= y }}</ref> Grand River Avenue was the first [[paved highway]] across the state when paving was completed in 1926.<ref name=barnett>{{cite book |first = LeRoy |last = Barnett |year = 2004 |title = A Drive Down Memory Lane: The Named State and Federal Highways of Michigan |location = Allegan Forest, Michigan |publisher = Priscilla Press |page = 93 |isbn = 1-886167-24-9 |oclc = 57425393 }}</ref> The entire highway was designated as part of US&nbsp;16 later that year.<ref name=USH>{{cite map |author1 = [[Bureau of Public Roads]] |author2 = [[American Association of State Highway Officials]] |date = November 11, 1926 |title = United States System of Highways Adopted for Uniform Marking by the American Association of State Highway Officials |url = https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_System_of_Highways_Adopted_for_Uniform_Marking_by_the_American_Association_of_State_Highway_Officials.jpg |scale = 1:7,000,000 |location = Washington, DC |publisher = [[United States Geological Survey]] |oclc = 32889555 |access-date = November 7, 2013 |via = [[Wikimedia Commons]] |name-list-style = amp }}</ref>

[[File:Interstate Highway plan June 27, 1958 (MI).jpg|thumb|left|1958 numbering plan for Michigan's Interstates|alt=Map of]]
East of Grand Rapids, the highway was a major artery of national importance, and was added to the proposed "Interregional Highway System" as part of a northern route between [[Chicago]] and Detroit by the 1940s.<ref>{{cite map |author = [[Public Roads Administration]] |url = https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Interregional_Highway_plan_ca_1943.jpg |title = Routes of the Recommended Interregional Highway System |year = c. 1943 |scale = Scale not given |location = Washington, DC |publisher = Public Roads Administration |access-date = May 10, 2008 |via = Wikimedia Commons }}</ref> A branch from Grand Rapids to Muskegon was added later that decade,<ref>{{cite map |author = Public Roads Administration |url = https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/fairbank17.cfm |title = National System of Interstate Highways |date = August 2, 1947 |scale = Scale not given |location = Washington, DC |publisher = Public Roads Administration |access-date = May 10, 2008 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101023011220/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/fairbank17.cfm |archive-date = October 23, 2010 }}</ref> and in 1957 the Chicago–Detroit route was labeled as part of [[Interstate 94 in Michigan|I-94]], with I-94N on the spur to Muskegon.<ref>{{cite map |url = http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Interstate_Highway_plan_August_14,_1957.jpg |title = Official Route Numbering for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways |author = [[American Association of State Highway Officials]] |scale = Scale not given |location = Washington, DC |publisher = American Association of State Highway Officials |date = August 14, 1957 |access-date = May 10, 2008 |via = Wikimedia Commons }}</ref> Michigan, believing that this would "cause considerable confusion to the public", requested a change in April 1958, which would move I-94 to the shorter [[Kalamazoo, Michigan|Kalamazoo]] route (which was planned as I-92), make the Muskegon–Detroit route I-96, and assign I-67 to the connection from I-94 to I-96 at Grand Rapids,<ref>{{cite web |author = Michigan State Highway Department |publisher = Michigan State Highway Department |url = http://nwindianahwys.homestead.com/michiplan.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20031121121341/http://nwindianahwys.homestead.com/michiplan.html |title = Recommended Numbering: Interstate Highways in Michigan |date = April 25, 1958 |archive-date = November 21, 2003 |access-date = May 10, 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref> but this was initially rejected by the [[American Association of State Highway Officials]] (AASHO).<ref>{{cite map |url = http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Interstate_Highway_plan_June_27,_1958.jpg |title = Official Route Numbering for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways |author = American Association of State Highway Officials |scale = Scale not given |location = Washington, DC |publisher = American Association of State Highway Officials |date = June 27, 1958 |access-date = May 10, 2008 |via = Wikimedia Commons }}</ref> By mid-1959, Michigan's plan had been approved, with one change: I-96 would take the south leg from I-94 at [[Benton Harbor, Michigan|Benton Harbor]] to Grand Rapids, and the north leg to Muskegon would be I-196.<ref>{{cite news |work = [[The Herald-Palladium|The Herald-Press]] |location = St. Joseph, Michigan |title = Spring to Bring Debut for Interstate Road Numbering |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21787195/spring_to_bring_debut_for_interstate/ |date = January 8, 1959 |agency = [[Associated Press]] |page = 5 |oclc = 10117184 |access-date = July 11, 2018 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] }}</ref>

Construction of the Brighton–Farmington Expressway piece of the US&nbsp;16 upgrade began in 1956,<ref>{{cite news |work = The Holland Evening Sentinel |title = Road Plans Revised |date = June 30, 1956 |page = 1 |issn = 1050-4044 |oclc = 13440201 }}</ref> and, when a {{convert|4|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} piece opened on August 1, 1957, it was the first section of funded Interstate to open in Michigan.<ref>{{cite web |first = Frank E. |last = Kelley |publisher = [[Michigan State Transportation Commission]] |url = http://michigan.michigan.gov/documents/MDOT-Trans-Comm-Minutes-06-29-06_166647_7.pdf |title = Meeting Minutes |date = June 29, 2006 |access-date = May 10, 2008 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080410053907/https://michigan.michigan.gov/documents/MDOT-Trans-Comm-Minutes-06-29-06_166647_7.pdf |archive-date = April 10, 2008 }}</ref> The entire {{convert|23|mi|km|adj=on}} freeway from east of [[Brighton, Michigan|Brighton]] to a bypass of [[Farmington, Michigan|Farmington]] was completed in December of that year.<ref>{{cite news |work = [[Ironwood Daily Globe]] |agency = Associated Press |title = Expressway to Be Opened by Dec.&nbsp;13 |page = 10 |oclc = 10890811 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21787348/expressway_to_be_opened_by_dec_13/ |date = December 6, 1957 |access-date = July 11, 2018 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref> By early 1959, when signs for I-96 and I-196 were posted, {{convert|59|mi|km}} of the "Detroit–Muskegon Freeway" had been completed and marked as US&nbsp;16.<ref name=newsigns>{{cite news |work = [[Holland Sentinel|The Holland Evening Sentinel]] |title = New Highway Signs |url = https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-feb-25-1959-1208152/ |date = February 25, 1959 |page = 1 |issn = 1050-4044 |oclc = 13440201 |access-date = June 4, 2019 |via = [[NewspaperArchive.com]] }}</ref> With the opening of {{convert|51|mi|km}} from west of Lansing to east of [[Howell, Michigan|Howell]], the entire route, except in the Detroit area, opened for travel on December 12, 1962.<ref>{{cite news |work = [[The Milwaukee Sentinel]] |title = Michigan Freeway Hits 1,000th Mile <!--|url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YGtQAAAAIBAJ&pg=4597,3072250--> |date = December 13, 1962 |at = part&nbsp;1, p.&nbsp;12 |issn = 1052-4479 |oclc = 11723897 <!--|via = [[Google News]]--> }}</ref> US&nbsp;16 was decommissioned in the state at that time;<ref>{{cite news |work = The Holland Evening Sentinel |title = Drop US&nbsp;16 Designation |date = April 14, 1962 |page = 2 |issn = 1050-4044 |oclc = 13440201 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10217982/drop_us_16_designation/ |access-date = April 12, 2017 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref><!--says by the end of the year--> the portions into Muskegon and Detroit, beyond the ends of the freeway, became separate related highways named [[Interstate 196 Business (Muskegon, Michigan)|Business Spur I-196]] (BS&nbsp;I-196) for Muskegon and [[Interstate 96 Business (Detroit, Michigan)|BS I-96]] for Detroit.<ref name="MSHD64">{{cite MDOT map |year= 1964 |sections=K7, M13 }}</ref>

In 1963, the [[Michigan State Highway Department]] petitioned AASHO to again make the change it had requested back in 1958, moving I-96 over I-196 to end at Muskegon and renumbering I-96 west of Grand Rapids to I-67. The state cited problems with destination signing and numerous complaints from the public about confusion caused by the numbering.<ref>{{cite news |work = The Holland Evening Sentinel |title = Muskegon Freeway Link Number Change Sought |date = August 24, 1963 |page = 1 |issn = 1050-4044 |oclc = 13440201 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10217998/muskegon_freeway_link_number_change/ |access-date = April 12, 2017 |via = Newspapers.com |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170413071317/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10217998/muskegon_freeway_link_number_change/ |archive-date = April 13, 2017 }}</ref> At their October 21, 1963, meeting, AASHO approved the relocation of I-96, but rejected I-67, stating that the number should be kept for a more major route in case the system is expanded, and instead assigned I-196 to the not-yet-complete Benton Harbor–Grand Rapids highway.<ref>{{cite news |work = The Holland Evening Sentinel |title = New Numbers Seen for Road |page = 4 |date = October 23, 1963 |agency = [[United Press International]] |issn = 1050-4044 |oclc = 13440201 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10217809/new_numbers_seen_for_road/ |access-date = April 12, 2016 |via = Newspapers.com |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170412145756/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10217809/new_numbers_seen_for_road/ |archive-date = April 12, 2017 }}</ref> The signage was switched in January 1964.<ref>{{cite news |title = Route Number Changes Slated |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13834440/i196_december_12_1963/ |work = [[Lansing State Journal]] |date = December 12, 1963 |page = 10 |oclc = 61312043 |access-date = September 17, 2017 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref> With the scheduled completion of the [[Lodge Freeway]] on October 29, 1964, a full freeway route was available from I-96 into downtown Detroit via I-696 and the Lodge,<ref>{{cite news |work = The Holland Evening Sentinel |title = Lodge Road to be Opened |date = October 28, 1964 |agency = United Press International |page = 5 |issn = 1050-4044 |oclc = 13440201 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10218043/lodge_road_to_be_opened/ |access-date = April 12, 2017 |via = Newspapers.com |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170413071035/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10218043/lodge_road_to_be_opened/ |archive-date = April 13, 2017 }}</ref> but it would be some time before I-96 was finished into the city.<ref name=kulsea>{{cite book |first1 = Bill |last1 = Kulsea |first2 = Tom |last2 = Shawver |year = 1980 |title = Making Michigan Move: A History of Michigan Highways and the Michigan Department of Transportation |url = https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Making_Michigan_Move#27 |location = Lansing |publisher = Michigan Department of Transportation |page = 27 |oclc = 8169232 |name-list-style = amp |access-date = January 18, 2021 |via = [[Wikisource]] }}</ref>

===Construction of the Jeffries Freeway===
The Detroit Expressway and Transit System plan, prepared in 1945 for the city of Detroit, included a Grand River Expressway, which was to parallel Grand River Avenue into downtown and relieve [[traffic congestion|congestion]] on that artery. A rail line would be built in the [[median (road)|median]] of the freeway west of West Chicago Street, where [[streetcar]]s would exit onto the existing surface tracks on Grand River Avenue into downtown. The plan called for a future conversion to [[rapid transit]] with a grade-separated route to downtown.<ref>{{cite book |last = Andrews |first = W. Earle. |title = Detroit Expressway and Transit System |year = 1945 |location = New York |publisher = Detroit Transportation Board |oclc = 7195393 }}</ref> The [[Department of Street Railways]] determined in 1947 that the operation would cost $6&nbsp;million per year (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|6000000|1947|r=-5}}}}/yr in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|US-GDP|name-list-style=amp}}), and the planned transit line was dropped from the plans. By 1961, the proposed highway was renamed the Jeffries Freeway, after [[Edward Jeffries]], who served as [[List of mayors of Detroit|Detroit mayor]] from 1940 to 1948.<ref>{{cite news |work = [[The Detroit News]] |title = Detroit Will Stay Accessible During I-75 Shutdown |date = January 18, 1999 |issn = 1055-2715 |oclc = 137348716 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last = Malo |first = Alger F. |date = January 1961 |title = The Relation of Mass Transportation to Total Transportation in Detroit |magazine = [[Traffic Quarterly]] |location = New York |publisher = [[Eno Foundation|Eno Foundation for Highway Traffic Control]] |volume = 15 |issue = 1 |pages = 226–41 |issn = 0041-0713 |oclc = 1695558 }}</ref>

[[File:I-96 Express and Local lanes.jpg|thumb|Approaching where the Jeffries Freeway (I-96) splits into Express and Local lanes in Detroit|alt=Photograph showing]]
Originally, the route of I-96 from the east end of the existing freeway in Farmington through Detroit, named the Jeffries Freeway (commonly referred to as simply "the Jeffries"), was to closely parallel Grand River Avenue (formerly US&nbsp;16).<ref name="YBD">{{cite map |map-url = http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Detroit,_Michigan_1955_Yellow_Book.jpg |title = General Location of National System of Interstate Highways Including All Additional Routes at Urban Areas Designated in September 1955 |author = Bureau of Public Roads |location = Washington, DC |publisher = US Government Printing Office |map = Detroit and Environs |scale = Scale not given |page = 41 |date = September 1955 |oclc = 4165975 |access-date = September 6, 2010 |via = Wikimedia Commons }}</ref> However, by 1963, several [[freeway revolt]]s were taking place in urban locations throughout the country, including Detroit. Several of Detroit's planned freeways were modified, scaled back, or outright cancelled. To minimize the impact to existing communities and businesses, it was decided that the Jeffries Freeway would no longer utilize the Grand River Avenue corridor. Instead, the new I-96 freeway corridor would partially use [[right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]] from the [[C&O Railroad]] through the city of Livonia (ultimately being built over Schoolcraft Road), and utilize the planned I-275 freeway bypassing Detroit to the west to connect back to the existing freeway.<ref name=study>{{cite book |type = Report |author = Michigan State Highway Department |year = 1964 |title = I-96 Freeway Planning and Route Location Study, City of Detroit |volume = 1 |location = Lansing |publisher = Michigan State Highway Department |page = 20 }}</ref>

The first piece of the Jeffries Freeway connected the [[Fisher Freeway]] (I-75) with the [[Edsel Ford Freeway]] (I-94) in 1970.<ref name=MDSH70>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1970 |section= E8 |inset= Detroit }}</ref><ref name=MDSH71>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1971|section= E8 |inset= Detroit }}</ref> It was extended northwest to Livernois Avenue (exit&nbsp;188A) in July 1971,<ref name=barnettJ>{{cite book |first = LeRoy |last = Barnett |year = 2004 |title = A Drive Down Memory Lane: The Named State and Federal Highways of Michigan |location = Allegan Forest, Michigan |publisher = Priscilla Press |pages = 120–1 |isbn = 1-886167-24-9 |oclc = 57425393 }}</ref> and then to Grand River Avenue at Schaefer Highway (exit&nbsp;185) in 1973.<ref name=MDSH73>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1973 |sections= E7–E8 |inset= Detroit }}</ref><ref name=MDSHT74>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1974 |sections= E7–E8 |inset= Detroit }}</ref> In 1976, the freeway was extended west to the [[Southfield Freeway]] (exit 183), and the entire I-275 concurrent section was opened.<ref>{{cite book |type = Report |title = Economic Report of the Governor |last = Milliken |first = William |year = 1975 |location = Lansing, Michigan |publisher = [[Governor of Michigan|Office of the Governor]] |page = 37 |author-link = William Milliken }}</ref> The final piece was completed on November 21, 1977, connecting the Detroit section to I-275.<ref name=kulsea/> The I-96 designation was assigned along the I-275 freeway south to the Jeffries Freeway, and eastward along the new freeway to the M-39 interchange; the remaining stub of I-96 around Farmington was redesignated as an extension of [[M-102 (Michigan highway)|M-102]] (now [[M-5 (Michigan highway)|M-5]]).<ref name=MDSHT77>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1977 |sections= D5, E5–E5 |inset= Detroit }}</ref><ref name=MDSHT78>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1978 |sections= D5, E5–E5 |inset= Detroit }}</ref>

===Subsequent history===
Since the completion of I-96 in 1977, several changes to the freeway have taken place. Beginning in 1984, an extension of the [[U.S. Route 27 in Michigan|US&nbsp;27]] freeway (later to become I-69) bypassing Lansing opened; US&nbsp;27 was then cosigned with I-96 along the western side of Lansing.<ref name=MDOT84>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1984 |section= L11 }}</ref><ref name=MDOT85>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1985 |section= L11 }}</ref> Three years later, the I-69 designation was applied to this new bypass, resulting in a triple concurrency (I-96/I-69/US&nbsp;27)<ref name=MDOT86>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1986 |section= L11 }}</ref><ref name=MDOT87>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1987 |section= L11}}</ref> that existed until 2002, when US&nbsp;27 was decommissioned in Michigan.<ref name=US27D>{{cite press release |first1 = Kari |last1 = Debnar |first2 = Mark |last2 = Bott |name-list-style = amp |url = http://www.mdot.state.mi.us/communications/press/files/01-07KD-02.htm |title = US&nbsp;27 Designation Soon to Be Deleted from Michigan Highways |publisher = Michigan Department of Transportation |date = January 14, 2002 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20020223221112/http://www.mdot.state.mi.us/communications/press/files/01-07KD-02.htm |archive-date = February 23, 2002 |access-date = March 14, 2012 }}</ref>

[[File:36th Street exit Grand Rapids I-96.jpg|left|thumb|Exit and entry ramps from the 36th Street interchange|alt=Photograph of the]]
From 2003 to 2005, the Beck Road interchange (exit 160) in [[Novi, Michigan|Novi]] was reconstructed as a [[single point urban interchange]] (SPUI), the first in the metropolitan Detroit area and the first on I-96.<ref name=kalousdian>{{cite magazine |last = Kalousdian |first = Aram |date = August 7, 2004 |title = Single Point Interchange Under Construction |magazine = Michigan Contractor and Builder |publisher = Reed Business Information |access-date = July 21, 2012 |url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-124005119.html |oclc = 761993683 |url-access = subscription |via = [[HighBeam Research]] |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160222050335/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-124005119.html |archive-date = February 22, 2016 }}</ref> An interchange between 36th Street and I-96 was built starting in 2005 and was completed in 2006. The project aimed to improve access to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport southeast of Grand Rapids.<ref name=bloemendaal>{{cite magazine |last = Bloemendaal |first = Dirk C. |date = September 2, 2006 |title = Interchange Improves Traffic Flow |magazine = Michigan Contractor and Builder |publisher = Reed Business Information |access-date = July 21, 2012 |url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-150978703.html |oclc = 761993683 |url-access = subscription |via = HighBeam Research |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140610081724/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-150978703.html |archive-date = June 10, 2014 }}</ref> The reconstruction of the Wixom Road interchange near Novi as a SPUI was completed in late fall of 2008.<ref name=wixom>{{cite magazine |last = Kalousdian |first = Aram |date = November 3, 2008 |title = Wixom/I-96 Interchange Reconstructed |magazine = Michigan Contractor and Builder |publisher = Reed Business Information |access-date = July 21, 2012 |url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-188432574.html |oclc = 761993683 |url-access = subscription |via = HighBeam Research |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140610081723/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-188432574.html |archive-date = June 10, 2014 }}</ref> Another interchange at Latson Road in Howell was approved for construction on July 19, 2012. This interchange was designed to bring improved access to the eastern Howell area, which prior to construction of the Latson Road exit was only accessible from westbound I-96.<ref name=greenwood-2012-07-19>{{cite news |last = Greenwood |first = Tom |date = July 19, 2012 |title = $32M Interchange Project OK'd for I-96 in Livingston County |work = The Detroit News |url = http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120719/METRO05/207190432#ixzz215rs1O3s |access-date = July 19, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20240526022433/https://www.webcitation.org/69HN3dJ1d?url=http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120719/METRO05/207190432/1409/METRO/-32M-interchange-project-OK-d-96-Livingston-County |archive-date = May 26, 2024 |url-status = dead }}</ref> The project was completed on December 2, 2013.<ref name=behnan/> Also in 2013, the two interchanges near [[Nunica, Michigan|Nunica]] serving [[M-104 (Michigan highway)|M-104]] and [[B-31 (Michigan county highway)|B-31]] were reconstructed, with two ramps removed from the former and two added to the latter; a new partial interchange was also built in preparation of [[M-231 (Michigan highway)|M-231]],<ref name="MDOT M-231"/> which opened on October 30, 2015.<ref name=brenzing>{{cite news |url = http://fox17online.com/2015/10/30/m-231-is-now-open-for-traffic/ |title = M-231 Is Now Open for Traffic |first1 = Bob |last1 = Brenzing |first2 = Darren |last2 = Cunningham |name-list-style = amp |date = October 30, 2015 |location = Grand Rapids, Michigan |publisher = [[WXMI-TV]] |access-date = March 24, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170208042124/http://fox17online.com/2015/10/30/m-231-is-now-open-for-traffic/ |archive-date = February 8, 2017 |url-status = live }}</ref>

On April 5, 2014, MDOT closed I-96 between Newburgh Road and US&nbsp;24 (Telegraph Road). The project was estimated to cost $148&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|148000000|2014}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|US-GDP|name-list-style=amp}}), and would rebuild the {{convert|7|mi|km|spell=in}} of roadway, replace two bridges, and repair 32 other bridges. The department also planned to install new drainage and replace the signs along I-96. The project was expected to be completed in October 2014.<ref>{{cite news |first = Lauren |last = Abdel-Razzaq |date = April 5, 2014 |title = The Driving Challenge Begins with I-96 Closure |url = http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140405/METRO05/304050052/ |work = The Detroit News |access-date = April 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20140407013036/http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140405/METRO05/304050052/ |archive-date = April 7, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Instead, it was finished ahead of schedule, and that segment of I-96 was re-opened on September 21, 2014.<ref>{{cite news |first = Marlon A. |last = Walker |date = September 21, 2014 |title = Yay! I-96 Is Back in the Traffic Business |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2014/09/21/i96-reopening/16015635/ |work = Detroit Free Press |access-date = September 22, 2014 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20140922064148/http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2014/09/21/i96-reopening/16015635/ |archive-date = September 22, 2014 |url-status = live }}</ref>

Also in 2015, work began on bypassing the 1960s interchange with US&nbsp;23 near [[Brighton, Michigan|Brighton]]. A new set of through lanes was built on I-96 between the previous eastbound and westbound lanes with three new bridges over northbound and southbound US&nbsp;23, and Old US&nbsp;23. The existing lanes of I-96 were changed to be [[collector-distributor lane]]s for ramp traffic.<ref>{{cite news |first = Wayne |last = Peal |date = February 25, 2015 |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/02/25/i-96-us-23-construction/23999485/ |title = I-96/US&nbsp;23 Interchange Work Set to Begin |work = Detroit Free Press |access-date = April 15, 2015 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20150416143431/http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/02/25/i-96-us-23-construction/23999485/ |archive-date = April 16, 2015 |url-status = live }}</ref> This project was completed in November 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2016/11/i-96_us_23_interchange_constru_2.html |title = I-96, US&nbsp;23 Interchange Project Complete After Two Years |last = Knake |first = Lindsay |date = November 4, 2016 |work = MLive |location = Ann Arbor, Michigan |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = May 2, 2017 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161108161257/http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2016/11/i-96_us_23_interchange_constru_2.html |archive-date = November 8, 2016 }}</ref>

MDOT started work to add a flex route on I-96 between Kent Lake Road and the I-275/I-696/M-5 interchange in Novi on March 21, 2022. Under this plan, the shoulders of the highway will be available as extra lanes during peak traffic periods, and indicated with overhead light systems. In addition, [[ramp meter]]s will be installed at ramps onto the freeway.<ref>{{cite AV media |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaXcQxhwqwg |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/QaXcQxhwqwg |archive-date = November 14, 2021 |url-status = live |title = I-96 Flex Route Flex Lane |date = August 30, 2021 |author = Michigan Department of Transportation |publisher = Michigan Department of Transportation |via = YouTube }}{{cbignore}}</ref> The construction was completed in October 2024,<ref name=hicks>{{cite news |last1=Hicks |first1=Justin P. |title=I-96 Flex Route: How it works and when it opens |url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2024/10/i-96-flex-route-how-it-works-and-when-it-opens.html |access-date=December 20, 2024 |work=MLive |date=October 31, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> but the flex route was not operational until March 19, 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last = Marshall |first = Ryan |date = March 19, 2025 |title = Flex Route System Takes Effect Today on I-96 in Oakland County |type = Video |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7S6t0XTJV8 |work = WXYZ 7 News Detroit |location = Southfield, Michigan |publisher=[[WXYZ-TV]] |access-date =  March 23, 2025 |via = YouTube |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/F7S6t0XTJV8 |archive-date = March 23, 2025 |url-status = live }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Gateway Project===
{{distinguish|text=[[Gateway Project]] in New Jersey and New York}}
Beginning on February 25, 2008, MDOT and the [[Detroit International Bridge Company]] initiated the Ambassador Gateway Project at the eastern end of I-96. The adjacent section of I-75 closed completely to traffic in both directions to start the complete reconstruction of the road to better connect I-75 and I-96 to the [[Ambassador Bridge]], and the plans included the reconstruction of a mile (1.6&nbsp;km) of I-96.<ref>{{cite news |first1 = Tom |last1 = Greenwood |first2 = Mike |last2 = Wilkinson |name-list-style = amp |title = Motorists Maneuver Through Gateway Project Maze |url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DTNB&s_site=detnews&f_site=detnews&f_sitename=Detroit+News%2C+The+%28MI%29&p_multi=DTNB&p_theme=gannett&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11F1AC38364084F0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |work = The Detroit News |date = February 26, 2008 |pages = 1B, 5B |access-date = October 29, 2012 |issn = 1055-2715 |oclc = 137348716 |via = [[NewsBank]] }}</ref> That segment of I-96 closed on July 14, 2008,<ref>{{cite news |title = I-96 Closes from I-94 to Rosa Parks |url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DTNB&s_site=detnews&f_site=detnews&f_sitename=Detroit+News%2C+The+%28MI%29&p_multi=DTNB&p_theme=gannett&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=121F41B5C8FBF510&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |work = The Detroit News |date = July 14, 2008 |page = 2B |access-date = June 6, 2013 |issn = 1055-2715 |oclc = 137348716 |via = NewsBank }}</ref> and it was scheduled to reopen a month early the following September.<ref>{{cite news |last = Greenwood |first = Tom |date = September 6, 2008 |url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DTNB&s_site=detnews&f_site=detnews&f_sitename=Detroit+News%2C+The+%28MI%29&p_multi=DTNB&p_theme=gannett&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=123147519E68F150&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title = Closed Stretch of I-96 near Ambassador Bridge Reopens Early |work = The Detroit News |access-date = June 6, 2013 |issn = 1055-2715 |oclc = 137348716 |via = NewsBank }}</ref> The overall project to realign ramps and connect the bridge to the freeways was mired in lawsuits between MDOT and the private company that owns the bridge. The [[Manuel Moroun|company's owner]] was jailed for [[contempt of court]] during court proceedings in early 2012.<ref>{{cite news |first1 = Matt |last1 = Helms |first2 = John |last2 = Gallagher |name-list-style = amp |date = January 12, 2012 |title = Mich. Billionaire, 84, Jailed over Bridge Dispute |url = https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-01-12/michigan-canada-ambassador-bridge/52517112/1 |work = [[USA Today]] |access-date = October 29, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130205075646/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-01-12/michigan-canada-ambassador-bridge/52517112/1 |archive-date = February 5, 2013 |url-status = live }}</ref> MDOT was later ordered to assume responsibility for construction,<ref>{{cite news |first = Jeff T. |last = Wattrick |date = March 16, 2012 |title = MDOT Launches 'Getting Gateway to the Finish Line' Social Campaign |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2012/03/mdot_launches_getting_gateway.html |work = MLive |location = Detroit |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = October 29, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130129174430/http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2012/03/mdot_launches_getting_gateway.html |archive-date = January 29, 2013 |url-status = live }}</ref> and the department completed the project on September 21, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |first = David |last = Muller |date = September 20, 2012 |title = Detroit Neighborhoods to See Less Truck Traffic as $230 million Gateway Plaza Opens |url = http://www.mlive.com/business/detroit/index.ssf/2012/09/detroit_neighborhoods_to_see_l.html |work = MLive |location = Detroit |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = October 29, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130129034727/http://www.mlive.com/business/detroit/index.ssf/2012/09/detroit_neighborhoods_to_see_l.html |archive-date = January 29, 2013 |url-status = live }}</ref>

===Incidents===
On January 12, 2005, a large [[multiple-vehicle collision]] consisting of over 200&nbsp;motor vehicles occurred on both directions of I-96 near [[Williamston, Michigan|Williamston]] in [[Ingham County, Michigan|Ingham County]]. Two people were killed in the incident. It was one of the largest collisions in US history and was blamed on heavy fog.<ref>{{cite news |last = Phillips |first = Lauren |url = http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2005/01/police_continue_investigation_of_massive_i96_accident |title = Police Continue Investigation of Massive I-96 Accident |work = The State News |location = [[Michigan State University]], East Lansing |date = January 20, 2005 |oclc = 6678066 |access-date = September 2, 2006 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120911013558/http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2005/01/police_continue_investigation_of_massive_i96_accident |archive-date = September 11, 2012 |url-status = live }}</ref>

In October 2012, reports of a sniper shooting cars along I-96 in four counties led to a federal investigation and a multi-jurisdictional task force of 100&nbsp;law enforcement officials. As of October 30, 2012, 25&nbsp;shootings had been linked to one suspect.<ref name=WSJ2012-10-30>{{cite news |first = Matthew |last = Dolan |date = October 30, 2012 |url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204789304578087103628754318?KEYWORDS=cars |title = Drivers Fear Sniper May Prowl Michigan Highway |work = [[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date = October 30, 2012 |url-access = subscription |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130209133811/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204789304578087103628754318.html?KEYWORDS=cars |archive-date = February 9, 2013 |url-status = live }}</ref> The [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]], the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]], and [[Crime Stoppers]] offered a $102,000 (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|102000|2012|r=-3}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|US-GDP|name-list-style=amp}}) reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator.<ref name=WXYZ2012-10-29>{{cite news |author = Web Staff |url = http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/102000-reward-for-information-leading-to-i-96-area-shooter |title = $102,000 Reward for Information Leading to I-96 Area Shooter |location = Detroit |publisher = [[WXYZ-TV]] |date = October 29, 2012 |access-date = October 30, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121101011313/http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/102000-reward-for-information-leading-to-i-96-area-shooter |archive-date = November 1, 2012 |url-status = dead }}</ref> The suspect, Raulie Casteel of [[Wixom, Michigan|Wixom]], was arrested on November 5, 2012,<ref>{{cite news |first = Lori |last = Dougovito |date = November 6, 2012 |url = http://www.abc12.com/story/20016773/ingham-county-sheriff-confirms-person-arrested-questioned-in-highway-shootings |title = Task Force Confirms Suspect Arrested in Highway Shootings |location = Flint, Michigan |publisher = [[WJRT-TV]] |access-date = November 6, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20240526135212/https://www.webcitation.org/6F0NDgSrt?url=http://www.abc12.com/story/20016773/ingham-county-sheriff-confirms-person-arrested-questioned-in-highway-shootings%20%7Ctitle%3D%20Task%20Force%20Confirms%20Suspect%20Arrested%20in%20Highway%20Shootings |archive-date = May 26, 2024 |url-status = dead }}</ref> and ordered to stand trial in 2013 in Oakland County for 60&nbsp;charges in one case,<ref>{{cite news |first = John |last = Turk |date = May 30, 2013 |title = Jury Trial for Accused I-96 Corridor Shooter Postponed 5&nbsp;Months |url = http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/05/30/news/cops_and_courts/doc51a77b3748f30235101472.txt?viewmode=fullstory |work = [[The Oakland Press]] |location = Pontiac, Michigan |access-date = June 6, 2013 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130620210333/http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/05/30/news/cops_and_courts/doc51a77b3748f30235101472.txt?viewmode=fullstory |archive-date = June 20, 2013 |url-status = dead }}</ref> with a second trial on terrorism and murder charges to be brought by the [[Michigan Attorney General]].<ref>{{cite news |date = May 31, 2013 |title = I-96 Shooter Suspect's Trial Is in Nov. |url = http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/se_mich/i-96-shooter-suspect-trial-is-in-november |location = Grand Rapids, Michigan |publisher = [[WOOD-TV]] |agency = Associated Press |access-date = June 6, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130620210314/http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/se_mich/i-96-shooter-suspect-trial-is-in-november |archive-date = June 20, 2013 |url-status = dead }}</ref> On October 30, 2013, the suspect pleaded [[Nolo contendere|no contest, but mentally ill]], in the Oakland County case,<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2013/10/suspect_in_i-96_shooting_spree.html |title = Suspect in I-96 Shooting Spree Pleads No Contest to Some Charges, Still Faces Terrorism Trial |work = The Grand Rapids Press |date = October 30, 2013 |first = Khalil |last = AlHajal |access-date = November 24, 2013 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20131124051040/http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2013/10/suspect_in_i-96_shooting_spree.html |archive-date = November 24, 2013 |url-status = live }}</ref> and he was sentenced to serve anywhere from six years and eight months to 10 years in prison on multiple assault charges (as well as two concurrent years on weapons charges) for that case on February 4, 2014. The trial for the Livingston County case began on January 14, 2014,<ref>{{cite news |first = Corey |last = Williams |date = February 4, 2013 |url = http://news.msn.com/crime-justice/mich-highway-shooter-gets-more-than-61-2-years |title = Mich. Highway Shooter Gets More than 6½ Years |work = MSN News |agency = Associated Press |access-date = February 4, 2013 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140209204121/http://news.msn.com/crime-justice/mich-highway-shooter-gets-more-than-61-2-years |archive-date = February 9, 2014 }}</ref> and after being convicted on the terrorism charge, Casteel was sentenced to 16 to 40 years in state prison.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wxyz.com/news/convicted-i-96-shooter-raulie-casteel-sentenced-to-16-to-40-years-in-prison-for-terrorism |title = Convicted I-96 Shooter Raulie Casteel Sentenced to 16 to 40&nbsp;years in Prison for Terrorism |location = Detroit |publisher = WXYZ-TV |date = March 3, 2014 |access-date = March 5, 2014 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20140305235504/http://www.wxyz.com/news/convicted-i-96-shooter-raulie-casteel-sentenced-to-16-to-40-years-in-prison-for-terrorism |archive-date = March 5, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
{{Clear}}