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{{Short description|Interstate Highway in Eaton and Ingham counties in Michigan, United States}} {{Use American English|date=April 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2015}} {{Infobox road |state=MI |type=I |route=496 |alternate_name=R.E. Olds Freeway |map={{maplink-road|from=Interstate 496.map}} |map_custom=yes |map_notes=Lansing area with I-496 highlighted in red |map_alt= I-496 connects downtown Lansing with the I-96 and US 127 freeways |spur_type=I |spur_of=96 |established=December 1963<ref name=IDG63/> |history=Completed on December 18, 1970<ref name=paving/> |length_mi= 11.907 |length_ref=<ref name=PRFA/> |direction_a=West |terminus_a={{Jct|state=MI|I|69|I|96}} in [[Delta Charter Township, Michigan|Delta Township]] |junction= *{{jct|state=MI|M|99}} in [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]] *{{Jct|state=MI|US|127}} near [[East Lansing, Michigan|East Lansing]] |direction_b=East |terminus_b={{Jct|state=MI|I|96|US|127}} in [[Delhi Charter Township, Michigan|Delhi Township]] |counties=[[Eaton County, Michigan|Eaton]], [[Ingham County, Michigan|Ingham]] |previous_type=I |previous_route=475 |next_type=Capitol Loop |next_route=496 }} '''Interstate 496''' ('''I-496''') is an [[List of auxiliary Interstate Highways|auxiliary Interstate Highway]] that passes through downtown [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]] in the US state of Michigan. Also a component of the [[Michigan State Trunkline Highway System|State Trunkline Highway System]], the freeway connects [[Interstate 96|I-96]] to the downtown area. It has been named the '''R.E. Olds Freeway''' (sometimes just '''Olds Freeway''') for [[Ransom E. Olds]], the founder of [[Oldsmobile]] and the [[REO Motor Car Company]]. I-496 runs east–west from I-96/[[Interstate 69 in Michigan|I-69]] near the downtown area and north–south along a section that [[concurrency (road)|runs concurrently]] with [[U.S. Route 127 in Michigan|US Highway 127]] (US 127). The trunkline also passes a former assembly plant used by Oldsmobile and runs along or crosses parts of the [[Grand River (Michigan)|Grand]] and [[Red Cedar River (Michigan)|Red Cedar]] rivers. Construction of I-496 started in 1963, and the freeway opened on December 18, 1970. Segments of the freeway south of [[downtown Lansing]] were built in the location of a historically black neighborhood. In the opinion of some, this neighborhood was formed based on the segregationist practices of the early 20th century. Community leaders worked for different housing opportunities for the black residents displaced by I-496 rather than fight the freeway. As the trunkline neared completion, competing proposals to name it resulted in two similar, but separate designations applied to I-496. The city originally approved one name in honor of a former mayor. The local historical society proposed that the state name it as a memorial to Olds after the demolition of the Olds Mansion. The city renamed it the '''Oldsmobile Expressway''', the name under which it opened in December 1970. Two years later, the [[Michigan Legislature]] restored its preferred name and it has been the Olds Freeway since. ==Route description== I-496 starts at an interchange with I-96/[[Interstate 69 in Michigan|I-69]] at that freeway's exit 95 in [[Delta Charter Township, Michigan|Delta Township]] in [[Eaton County, Michigan|Eaton County]]. The freeway runs eastward through suburban areas of the township adjacent to some residential subdivisions. Continuing eastward, there is an interchange for Creyts Road before I-496 angles to the northeast. At the interchange with Waverly Road, I-496 crosses into [[Ingham County, Michigan|Ingham County]]. The freeway then runs parallel to the [[Grand River (Michigan)|Grand River]]. Near a partial interchange with Lansing Road (old [[U.S. Route 27 in Michigan|US 27]]<ref name=MSHD63/>), the freeway gains a pair of [[service drive]]s: St. Joseph Street runs [[one-way traffic|one-way]] westbound on the north side, and Malcolm X Street runs eastbound to the south. The next interchange is for the connection to [[M-99 (Michigan highway)|M-99]], which runs along [[List of streets named after Martin Luther King Jr.#Michigan|Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard]]. South of this interchange, M-99 connects to the [[Lansing Car Assembly]] plant,<ref name=MDOT12/><ref name=google/> a former facility for [[Oldsmobile]].<ref name=wieland>{{cite news |last = Wieland |first = Barbara |date = May 1, 2005 |title = An Era Ends as GM Plant Closes |work = Lansing State Journal |pages = 1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789588/an_era_ends_as_gm_plant_closes_part_2/ 8A] |issn = 0274-9742 |oclc = 6678181 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789568/an_era_ends_as_gm_plant_closes/ |access-date = July 12, 2018 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref> [[File:I-496 at MLK Boulevard.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Looking east from the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard overpass|alt=Photograph of]] Continuing eastward, I-496 passes north of the assembly plant complex and south of the central business district. East of a partial interchange with Walnut Street, the freeway passes the [[w:Michigan Women's Hall of Fame|Michigan Women's Hall of Fame]], which is located on I-496's southern service drive. The south side of the freeway is adjacent to Cooley Gardens near the confluence of the Grand and [[w:Red Cedar River (Michigan)|Red Cedar]] rivers. I-496 crosses the Grand River downstream from the confluence and meets the interchange to [[Interstate 96 Business (Lansing, Michigan)|Business Loop I-96]] (BL I-96, Cedar and Larch streets) and Pennsylvania Avenue. St. Joseph Street ends after the connection to Pennsylvania Avenue.<ref name=MDOT12/><ref name=google/> The main freeway crosses a rail line owned by [[w:CSX Transportation|CSX Transportation]].<ref name=MDOT-RR>{{cite map |author = Michigan Department of Transportation |url = http://www.michigan.gov/documents/MDOT_Official_Rail_130897_7.pdf |title = Michigan's Railroad System |scale = Scale not given |location = Lansing |publisher = Michigan Department of Transportation |date = January 2011 |access-date = February 1, 2011 |format = PDF |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110409130544/http://www.michigan.gov/documents/MDOT_Official_Rail_130897_7.pdf |archive-date = April 9, 2011 }}</ref> I-496 runs parallel to the north side of the rail line while Malcolm X Street follows to the south as far as the Clemens Avenue overpass. The freeway then crosses into East Lansing near the Red Cedar Natural Area.<ref name=MDOT12/><ref name=google/> After crossing the city line, I-496 turns southward and merges with US 127. The two highways run concurrently,<ref name=MDOT12/><ref name=google/> and they cross a line of the [[Canadian National Railway]].<ref name=MDOT-RR/> The freeway runs along the western edge of the campus of [[Michigan State University]]. South of campus, I-496/US 127 crosses back into Lansing and has an interchange with Jolly Road before entering [[Delhi Charter Township, Michigan|Delhi Township]]. About two-thirds of a mile (1.1 km) south of Jolly Road, I-496 meets I-96 and terminates; US 127 continues southward as a freeway toward [[Jackson, Michigan|Jackson]].<ref name="MDOT12">{{cite MDOT map |year= 2012 |inset= Lansing }}</ref><ref name=google>{{google maps |url= http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=I-496+E&daddr=US-127+S&hl=en&sll=42.676946,-84.499626&sspn=0.030415,0.02914&geocode=FWbPiwId6iH0-g%3BFfQtiwIdLLD2-g&t=h&mra=ls&z=12 |title= Overview Map of I-496 |access-date= July 12, 2012}}</ref> [[File:I-496 US 127 SB.jpg|thumb|Southbound I-496/US 127 in East Lansing|alt=Photograph of]] Like other state highways in Michigan, I-496 is maintained by the [[Michigan Department of Transportation]] (MDOT). In 2011, the department's traffic surveys showed that on [[average annual daily traffic|average]], 61,082 vehicles used the freeway between BL I-96 and the Trowbridge Road interchange south of US 127, the highest traffic count along I-496. West of Creyts Road, 17,600 vehicles did so each day, which was the lowest count along the trunkline.<ref name=TMIS>{{cite web |author = Bureau of Transportation Planning |url = http://mdotnetpublic.state.mi.us/tmispublic/ |title = Traffic Monitoring Information System |publisher = Michigan Department of Transportation |year = 2008 |access-date = June 30, 2012 }}</ref> As an Interstate Highway, all of I-496 is listed on the [[National Highway System (United States)|National Highway System]],<ref name=NHS-MI>{{cite map |author = Michigan Department of Transportation |title = National Highway System, Michigan |date = April 23, 2006 |scale = Scale not given |location = Lansing |publisher = Michigan Department of Transportation |url = http://www.michigan.gov/documents/MDOT_NHS_Statewide_150626_7.pdf |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121004040152/http://www.michigan.gov/documents/MDOT_NHS_Statewide_150626_7.pdf |archive-date = October 4, 2012 |format = PDF |access-date = October 7, 2008 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}</ref> a network of roads deemed important to the country's economy, defense, and mobility.<ref name=NHS>{{cite web |first1 = Stefan |last1 = Natzke |first2 = Mike |last2 = Neathery |first3 = Kevin |last3 = Adderly |name-list-style = amp |url = https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/ |title = What is the National Highway System? |work = National Highway System |publisher = [[Federal Highway Administration]] |date = June 20, 2012 |access-date = July 1, 2012 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120828192748/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/ |archive-date = August 28, 2012 }}</ref> ==History== [[File:Lansing, Michigan 1955 Yellow Book.jpg|thumb|left|1955 planning map for Lansing's Interstates|alt=Black and white map]] An east–west freeway was originally planned as an Interstate Highway allowing traffic to access downtown Lansing in the 1955 ''[[General Location of National System of Interstate Highways]]'' (''Yellow Book''), an early proposal for what would become the Interstate Highway System.<ref name="YBD">{{cite map |map-url = http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lansing,_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 |map = Lansing |scale = Scale not given |page = 44 |author = Bureau of Public Roads |author-link = Bureau of Public Roads |location = Washington, DC |publisher = [[Government Printing Office]] |year = 1955 |oclc = 4165975 |via = [[Wikimedia Commons]] }}</ref> As originally proposed by the [[Michigan State Highway Department]] in 1958, the freeway was to be called I-296.<ref name=RIRNM58>{{cite web |author = Michigan State Highway Department |title = Recommended Interstate Route Numbering for Michigan |date = April 25, 1958 |location = Lansing |publisher = Michigan State Highway Department |url = http://nwindianahwys.homestead.com/michiplan.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040805182658/http://nwindianahwys.homestead.com/michiplan.html |archive-date = August 5, 2004 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}</ref> The department was waiting on approval of a final numbering scheme the next year,<ref name=blade1959-06-04>{{cite news |title = Michigan Delays Road Number System |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mb1OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9AAEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7401,5582043&dq=interstate+opening+michigan&hl=en |work = [[Toledo Blade]] |agency = Associated Press |date = June 4, 1959 |page = 11 |oclc = 12962635 |access-date = November 21, 2010 |via = [[Google News]] }}</ref> before the first Interstates were signed in the state in 1959.<ref name=HP1959-10-13>{{cite news |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3823487// |title = New Signs Mark Interstate 75 |work = [[Escanaba Daily Press]] |agency = Associated Press |date = October 13, 1959 |page = 2 |access-date = December 14, 2015 |via = Newspapers.com |oclc = 9670912 }}</ref> By the time construction started on the Lansing freeway, it was numbered I-496.<ref name=HS62>{{cite news |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3823504// |title = Release Bids for Freeway to Holland |work = [[Holland Sentinel|The Holland Evening Sentinel]] |agency = [[United Press International]] |date = July 20, 1962 |page = 6 |oclc = 13440201 |access-date = December 14, 2015 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref> The section near downtown was to be built through a historically [[African-American neighborhood]]. The neighborhood was formed through "unwritten rules of segregation" as real estate agents and mortgage brokers guided black residents to the area when they were looking to buy homes.<ref name=miller/> When the state and federal governments were planning the freeway, the area was chosen for the path of I-496. The neighborhood boasted a community center and several businesses that catered to the black population of Lansing, including the only record store that sold rhythm and blues music. Community leaders did not fight the freeway and instead lobbied for affordable housing and relocation assistance. The construction spurred integration of blacks into the wider community; some were able to move into neighborhoods previously closed to them, purchasing "newer houses near better schools."<ref name=miller>{{cite news |last = Miller |first = Matthew |title = Looking Back: I-496 Construction, A Complicated Legacy |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789433/a_complicated_legacy/ |work = [[Lansing State Journal]] |date = February 22, 2009 |pages = 1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789452/a_complicated_legacy_part_2/ 8A] |issn = 0274-9742 |oclc = 6678181 |access-date = July 12, 2018 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref> In total, the construction of the freeway required the demolition or removal of nearly 600 homes, 60 businesses, and 15 farms.<ref name=ingalls>{{cite news |title = City's East–West Traffic Speeded |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789838/citys_eastwest_traffic_speeded/ |first = Norris |last = Ingells |work = Lansing State Journal |date = February 14, 1965 |edition = Progress |issn = 0274-9742 |oclc = 6678181 |page = C1 |access-date = July 12, 2018 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref> [[File:America's Highways 1776–1976 - page 403.jpg|thumb|Snow Road bridge over I-496 in the 1970s]] The first section of I-496 was opened in December 1963,<ref name=IDG63>{{cite news |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3823514// |title = New Highway Opened |work = [[Ironwood Daily Globe]] |agency = [[Associated Press]] |date = December 21, 1963 |page = 9 |oclc = 10890811 |access-date = December 14, 2015 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] }}</ref> and ran from I-96 northerly to [[M-43 (Michigan highway)|M-43]]/[[M-78 (Michigan highway)|M-78]] (Saginaw and Kalamazoo streets) between Lansing and East Lansing. The freeway, comprising the southern two-thirds, was designated I-496/M-78/[[Interstate 96 Business (Lansing, Michigan)|BL I-96]] while the northern portion was on city streets as M-78/BL I-96.<ref name=MSHD63>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1963 |link= yes |inset= Lansing }}</ref><ref name=MSHD64>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1964 |inset= Lansing }}</ref> Some 50 men completed the work by year's end; they went entirely without vacation time to accomplish the feat.<ref name=IDG63/> Another section of freeway was opened in 1966, and US 127 was rerouted to follow I-496/M-78. BL I-96 was removed from I-496/US 127/M-78 and routed along the former US 127.<ref name=MDSH66>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1966 |link= yes |inset= Lansing }}</ref><ref name=MDSH67>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1967 |inset= Lansing }}</ref> The freeway segment north of the Trowbridge Road interchange continuing northward as part of US 127 was opened in 1969. Another section opened at the same time was the western section from I-96 to Lansing Road (then US 27) in 1969.<ref name=MDSH69>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1969 |c-link= yes |inset= Lansing }}</ref><ref name=MDSH70>{{cite MDOT map |year= 1970 |inset= Lansing }}</ref> The remaining section between M-99 (then Logan Street, now [[List of streets named after Martin Luther King Jr.#Michigan|Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard]]) and I-496/US 127 opened on December 18, 1970, completing construction.<ref name=paving>{{cite news |last = Rook |first = Christine |date = July 23, 2006 |title = Paving the Way: Interstate Roads Have Shaped the Future for Many Mid-Michigan Communities |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789536/paving_the_way/ |work = [[Lansing State Journal]] |pages = 1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789548/paving_the_way_part_2/ 5D] |issn = 0274-9742 |oclc = 6678181 |access-date = July 12, 2018 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref><ref name=barnett>{{cite book |last = Barnett |first = LeRoy |year = 2004 |title = A Drive Down Memory Lane: The Named State and Federal Highways of Michigan |location = Allegan Forest, Michigan |publisher = Priscilla Press |pages = 140–141, 165 |isbn = 1-886167-24-9 |oclc = 57425393 }}</ref> The freeway underwent a $42.4 million reconstruction (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|42400000|2001|r=-5}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|US-GDP|name-list-style=amp}}) between April and November 2001 which included the rehabilitation or reconstruction of 35 bridges, {{convert|8.5|mi|km}} of freeway, and the addition of a [[auxiliary lane|weave-merge lane]] between Pennsylvania Avenue and US 127.<ref>{{cite news |last = Gantert |first = Tom |date = April 4, 2001 |title = I-496 Shutdown Goes Smoothly |work = Lansing State Journal |pages = 1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789645/i496_shutdown_goes_smoothly_part_2/ 5A] |issn = 0274-9742 |oclc = 6678181 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789621/i496_shutdown_goes_smoothly/ |access-date = July 12, 2018 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref><ref name=hugh>{{cite news |last = Hugh |first = Leach |date = November 5, 2001 |title = Most Area Road Work Complete |work = Lansing State Journal |page = B3 |issn = 0274-9742 |oclc = 6678181 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789674/most_area_road_work_complete/ |access-date = July 12, 2018 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref> Speed limits were raised along I-496 from {{convert|55|to|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 2007 to reflect the speeds motorists were driving during studies conducted by MDOT and the [[Michigan State Police]].<ref name=wallbank>{{cite news |last = Wallbank |first = Derek |date = April 3, 2007 |title = Drivers on I-496 Get the Green Light to Go 70: Stretch of US 127 in Frandor Area Seed Higher Speed Limits as Well |work = Lansing State Journal |pages = 1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789706/drivers_on_i496_get_the_green_light_to/ 7A] |issn = 0274-9742 |oclc = 6678181 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789687/drivers_on_i496_get_the_green_light_to/ |access-date = July 13, 2012 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref> [[File:Olds Mansion Exterior, East Front.png|thumb|left|Olds Mansion|alt=Black and white photograph]] The name applied to the freeway was not without controversy. The Lansing City Council named it in September 1966 after Ralph W. Crego, a former city council member and the longest-serving mayor in the city's history. The Historical Society of Greater Lansing wanted it named the "R.E. Olds Expressway", in part because the new road brought about the demolition of the [[Ransom E. Olds#Residence|Olds Mansion]],<ref name=barnett/> which was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]],<ref name=mtt>{{cite web |first = Patricia |last = O'Hearn |date = n.d. |url = http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal_mhc_mhm_carcapital_01-08-2003_92059_7.pdf |title = Michigan Time Traveler |publisher = Lansing Newspapers in Education, Michigan Historical Center |access-date = July 13, 2012 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120224212649/http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal_mhc_mhm_carcapital_01-08-2003_92059_7.pdf |archive-date = February 24, 2012 }}</ref> and to "recogniz[e] the contributions of R.E. Olds to the industries of the city."<ref name=barnett/> The society approached the [[Michigan Legislature]], which introduced House Resolution 48 in February 1970 using the historical society's preferred name. The city council realized that they had been bypassed and conveniently discovered that their original resolution was not "formally adopted".<ref name=barnett/> They named a park for Crego instead in October 1970 and adopted a resolution to name I-496 the "Oldsmobile Expressway". The Legislature approved its resolution resulting in two names, one for the founder of the car company, and one for the company itself. The council member who introduced the city's resolution criticized the Legislature for taking action without consultation. The state resolution was intercepted before it could be sent to the Michigan Department of State Highways, and the freeway opened on December 18, 1970, with the "Oldsmobile Expressway" name. On August 21, 1972, during the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of Oldsmobile, Senate Concurrent Resolution 345 renamed I-496 the "R.E. Olds Freeway".<ref name=barnett/> ==Future== The portion of I-496 shared with US 127 is being renovated throughout 2024 and 2025 as a part of the US 127 Corridor Project. The work will widen the highway to three lanes in each direction, reconfigure interchanges, improve bridges, and upgrade lighting conditions, among other changes.<ref>{{cite news |last = Palmer |first = Ken |date = March 10, 2024 |title = US 127 Construction Starts Monday Between I-496 and I-96: Here's What You Need to Know |url = https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2024/03/10/us-127-construction-lansing-trowbridge-dunckel/72893985007/ |access-date = December 11, 2024 |work = Lansing State Journal }}</ref> As of December 2024, construction on the northbound stretch of I-496/US 127 is complete outside of the Trowbridge Road interchange, and improvements to the southbound stretch are slated to begin in early 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last = Palmer |first = Ken |title = MDOT Reopens NB US 127 Between Interstates 96 and 496 |url = https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/2024/11/27/northbound-us-127-reopened-ingham-county-lansing/76622899007/ |access-date = December 12, 2024 |work = Lansing State Journal |date = November 27, 2024 }}</ref> In January 2025, the city of Lansing was awarded a $1 million federal grant to develop a plan to cap portions of I-496.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ellis |first=Mike |date = January 15, 2025 |title=I-496 Destroyed a Black Neighborhood in the 1960s. Now, Lansing Looks to Honor Those Residents |url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2025/01/14/i-496-lansing-history-black-neighborhoods-memorial/77691686007/ |access-date=February 2, 2025 |website=Lansing State Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> According to city officials, the current plan is to cap the portion of I-496 between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Walnut Street. The grant does not cover construction costs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wheaton |first=Zachariah |date=January 20, 2025 |title=I-496 Cap Closer to Reality Following Federal Grant |url=https://www.wilx.com/2025/01/20/i-496-cap-closer-reality-following-federal-grant/ |access-date=February 2, 2025 |location = Lansing, Michigan |publisher = WILX-TV |language=en}}</ref> ==Exit list== {{MIinttop|exit|length_ref=<ref name=PRFA>{{cite MDOT PRFA |link= yes |access-date= July 11, 2012}}</ref>}} {{MIint|exit |county=Eaton |cspan=2 |location=Delta Township |lspan=2 |mile=0.000 |exit=— |road={{jct|state=MI|I|96|I|69|city1=Grand Rapids|city2=Flint|location3=[[Detroit]]|location4=[[Ft. Wayne, Indiana|Ft. Wayne]]}} |notes=Exit 95 on I-96/I-69 }} {{MIint|exit |mile=1.637 |exit=1 |road=Creyts Road |notes=Signed as exits 1A (south) and 1B (north) westbound }} {{MIint|exit |county1=Eaton |county2=Ingham |location_special=[[Delta Charter Township, Michigan|Delta Township]]–[[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]] city line |mile=3.561 |exit=3 |road=Waverly Road |notes= }} {{MIint|exit |county=Ingham |cspan=9 |location=Lansing |lspan=6 |mile=4.545 |exit=4 |type=incomplete |road=Lansing Road |notes=Westbound exit and eastbound entrance }} {{MIint|exit |mile=5.306 |mile2=5.403 |exit=5 |road={{jct|state=MI|M|99|dir1=south|name1=[[List of streets named after Martin Luther King Jr.#Michigan|Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard]]}} |notes=Northern terminus of M-99 }} {{MIint|exit |mile=5.802 |mile2=5.950 |exit=6 |road=Pine Street, Walnut Street – [[Downtown Lansing]] |notes= }} {{MIint|exit |mile=6.273 |exit=7A |type=incomplete |road=Grand Avenue – [[Downtown Lansing]] |notes=Westbound exit and eastbound entrance }} {{MIint|exit |mile=6.567 |mile2=6.921 |exit=7 |road={{jct|state=MI|BL|96|dab1=Lansing|dir2=west|name2=Pennsylvania Avenue, Cedar Street, Larch Street}} |notes=Separate exits for Cedar Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, connected by [[collector-distributor road]]s eastbound only; exit 7A is also attached to collector-distributor roads westbound only }} {{MIint|exit |mile=8.576 |exit=8 |type=concur |road={{jct|state=MI|US|127|dir1=north|city1=Flint|city2=East Lansing}} |notes=Northern end of US 127 concurrency }} {{MIint|exit |location=East Lansing |mile=8.748 |exit=9 |road=Trowbridge Road |notes= }} {{MIint|exit |location=Lansing |mile=10.912 |exit=11 |road=Dunckel Road, Jolly Road |notes= }} {{MIint|exit |location=Delhi Township |mile=11.907 |exit=— |type=concur |road={{nowrap|{{jct|state=MI|I|96|city1=Detroit|city2=Grand Rapids}}}}<br>{{jct|state=MI|US|127|dir1=south|city1=Jackson}} |notes=Exit 106 on I-96; exit 73 on US 127; freeway continues south as US 127 }} {{jctbtm|keys=concur,incomplete|exit}} ==Related trunkline== {{main|Capitol Loop}} {{Infobox road small |state= MI |type= Capitol Loop |length_mi= 2.381 |length_ref= <ref name="PRFA"/> |location=[[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]] |formed= October 13, 1989<ref name=ROW180>{{cite map |author = Michigan Department of Transportation |location = Lansing |publisher = Michigan Department of Transportation |author2 = City of Lansing |name-list-style = amp |map-url = http://mdotwas1.mdot.state.mi.us/public/ROWFiles/files/Ingham/sheet180.pdf |title = Right-of-Way File Application |map = Ingham County |sheet = 180 |access-date = October 15, 2008 |date = August 29, 2007 |scale = Scale not given |map-format = PDF |archive-url = https://www.webcitation.org/5va0llY6P?url=http://mdotwas1.mdot.state.mi.us/public/ROWFiles/files/Ingham/sheet180.pdf |archive-date = January 8, 2011 |url-status = live |oclc = 12843916 }}</ref> |decommissioned=March 26, 2024<ref name=MOU>{{cite report |author1 = Michigan Department of Transportation |author2 = City of Lansing |date = March 26, 2024 |title = "Memorandum of Understanding Between Michigan Department of Transportation and City of Lansing" |publisher = Michigan Department of Transportation |id = MDOT 2023-0611 |type = Memorandum }}</ref> }} The Capitol Loop was a state trunkline highway running through Lansing that was commissioned on October 13, 1989.<ref name=ROW180/> It formed a [[loop route]] off I-496 through downtown near the [[Michigan State Capitol]] complex, home of the [[Michigan State Legislature|state legislature]] and several state departments. However, unlike other business loops in Michigan, it had unique [[reassurance marker]]s—the signs that serve as regular reminders of the name and number of the highway. It was known internally at MDOT as Connector 496 for inventory purposes.<ref name=MGF8C>{{cite web |author = Michigan Department of Information Technology |url = http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Appendix_C_Connector_19295_7.pdf |title = Appendix C: State Trunkline Connector Routes |date = May 1, 2008 |access-date = October 15, 2008 |work = Michigan Geographic Framework |publisher = Michigan Department of Information Technology |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110522054153/http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Appendix_C_Connector_19295_7.pdf |archive-date = May 22, 2011 |url-status = live |df = mdy-all |author-link = Michigan Department of Information Technology }}</ref> The highway followed a series of one-way and two-way streets through downtown Lansing, directing traffic downtown to the State Capitol and other government buildings.<ref name=googleCL>{{google maps |url= https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=S+Martin+Luther+King+Jr+Blvd&daddr=42.7326018,-84.55619+to:42.7335723,-84.5492377+to:S+Cedar+St&hl=en&ll=42.733554,-84.557347&spn=0.030387,0.029998&sll=42.726713,-84.555545&sspn=0.030391,0.029998&geocode=FSHziwId4Jr1-g%3BFTkMjAIdYsb1-ikdsaSs18EiiDH0HJhJRWoyyA%3BFQQQjAIdi-H1-inBYoC72MEiiDEtrL8yqDBdGg%3BFT_yiwIdS_L1-g&mra=dpe&mrsp=2&sz=15&via=1,2&t=m&z=15 |title= Overview Map of the Capitol Loop |access-date= October 14, 2008 |link=no}}</ref><ref name=UMMCA>{{cite map |first = David M. |last = Brown |author2 = Universal Map |author2-link = Universal Map |name-list-style = amp |scale = [c. 1:24,000] |location = Blue Bell, Pennsylvania |publisher = Universal Map |title = Michigan County Atlas: Back Roads & Forgotten Places |edition = 2nd |year = 2010 |page = 66 |map = Lansing |isbn = 978-0-7625-6505-4 |oclc = 624374092 }}</ref> Unlike the other streets downtown, the seven streets composing the Capitol Loop were under state maintenance and jurisdiction.<ref name=TOP08>{{cite MDOT map |year= 2008T |inset= Lansing}}</ref> The loop was originally proposed in 1986 as part of a downtown revitalization effort.<ref name=Andrews2003-05-22>{{cite news |first = Chris |last = Andrews |title = Work Set for Capitol Loop |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789721/work_set_for_capitol_loop/ |work = Lansing State Journal |date = May 22, 2003 |pages = 1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789743/work_set_for_capitol_loop_part_2/ 6A] |issn = 0274-9742 |oclc = 6678181 |access-date = July 12, 2018 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref> Almost from the beginning before the highway was commissioned in 1989, it was affected by controversial proposals. The first was related to suggestions by community leaders to rename city streets in honor of [[Martin Luther King Jr.]]<ref name=barnett/> Another controversy dealt with rebuilding the streets as part of a downtown beautification project; the downtown business community protested the original scope of construction,<ref name=Sturm2003-10-29>{{cite news |first = Daniel |last = Sturm |title = The 'Big Dig' Causing a Big Flap in Downtown Lansing |work = [[City Pulse]] |location = Lansing, Michigan |date = October 29, 2003 |oclc = 48427464 }}</ref> and the Lansing City Council threatened to cancel the project in response to the controversy.<ref name=Murphy2003-11-04>{{cite news |first = Shannon |last = Murphy |title = City to Seek Options for Capitol-Area Road Work |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789769/city_to_seek_options_for_capitolarea/ |work = Lansing State Journal |date = November 4, 2003 |pages = 1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21789792/city_to_seek_options_for_capitolarea/ 2B] |issn = 0274-9742 |oclc = 6678181 |access-date = July 12, 2018 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref> In 2010, additional controversies surfaced regarding the posting and enforcement of speed limits on city streets in Michigan, including the streets that make up the Capitol Loop.<ref name=Kolp2010-06-02>{{cite news |first = Stephanie |last = Kolp |title = Some Speeding Tickets Being Waived |url = http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=12583883 |publisher = [[WLNS-TV]] |location = Lansing, Michigan |date = June 2, 2010 |access-date = July 21, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110717174823/http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=12583883 |archive-date = July 17, 2011 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}</ref> The length of the Capitol Loop that ran independent of BL I-96 was transferred to the City of Lansing on March 26, 2024.<ref name=MOU/> The city has been converting streets from [[one-way traffic]] to two-way since 2022,<ref>{{cite news |last = Ellis |first = Mike |date = April 23, 2024 |title = Lansing Halts MLK Jr. Blvd. Remake Near Downtown Due to Protests, Criticism |url = https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2024/04/23/mlk-boulevard-lansing-median-removal-westside-neighborhood/73424021007/ |work = Lansing State Journal |access-date = April 24, 2024 }}</ref> including plans to convert Ottawa and Allegan streets during 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last = Thakkar |first = Arjun |date=February 29, 2024 |title = Michigan Avenue, MLK Redesigns on Lansing's 2024 Construction Agenda |url = https://www.wkar.org/wkar-news/2024-02-29/michigan-avenue-mlk-redesigns-on-lansings-2024-construction-agenda |work = WKAR Public Media |location = Lansing, Michigan |publisher = [[w:WKAR-FM|WKAR-FM]] |access-date=April 24, 2024 }}</ref> With the transfer, the Capitol Loop designation was removed from the state highway system. ==See also== *{{portal-inline|Michigan Highways}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== {{commons category|Interstate 496}} {{Attached KML|display=inline,title}} *{{osmrelation-inline|184734|I-496}} *[http://www.michiganhighways.org/listings/MichHwys250-696.html#I-496 I-496] at Michigan Highways *[http://www.kurumi.com/roads/3di/ix96.html#496mi I-496] at kurumi.com *[http://www.interstate-guide.com/i-496_mi.html I-496] at AA Roads Interstate Guide {{3di|96}} {{featured article}} {{DEFAULTSORT:I496}} [[Category:Interstate Highways in Michigan|96-4]] [[Category:Auxiliary Interstate Highways|96-4]] [[Category:Interstate 96|4]] [[Category:Transportation in Eaton County, Michigan]] [[Category:Transportation in Ingham County, Michigan]]
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