| Interstate 196 |
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Information AboutInterstate 196 |
Interstate 196 (abbreviated '''I-196''') is a long Freeway Spur route in the U.S. State of Michigan linking Grand Rapids , Holland , South Haven , and Benton Harbor . I-196 changes direction although it is a through route. It is a north-south route from its southern terminus to the junction with US 31 just south of Holland and an east-west route from this point to its eastern terminus. The total length is 80.6 miles. Although not the longest Interstate spur route, it may be proportionally the longest ''in proportion'' to its 'parent', Interstate 96. At first, Interstate 96 was planned to run from Detroit to Lansing to Grand Rapids to Benton Harbor, and I-196 was to be a spur route from Grand Rapids to Muskegon . However, I-96 from Detroit to Grand Rapids and I-196 from Grand Rapids to Muskegon was completed a few years before the segment from Grand Rapids to Benton Harbor. Thus it appeared as if I-196 were simply a continuation of I-96. Before the Grand Rapids-Benton Harbor segment was completed, the Michigan Department Of Transportation petitioned federal highway officials to switch the interstate designations west of Grand Rapids. Permission for this switch was granted in 1963. Consideration was also made to name the Grand Rapids to Benton Harbor freeway '' I-67 '', but was later withdrawn. I-196 is known as the ''', whose political career began in Grand Rapids. This name generally refers only to the section between Holland and Grand Rapids. ROUTE DESCRIPTION MAJOR CITIES FUTURE The Michigan Department of Transportation currently has two studies underway to improve traffic flow. The first one is nearly completed and construction is planned for 2007-08. The end result of the study is a new exit planned for immediately before the Grandville/Jenison Chicago Drive exit. The exit is needed to alleviate traffic backups for motorists connecting via Chicago Drive to Baldwin Street, which involves crossing heavily-used CSX railroad tracks. The new exit puts traffic directly onto Baldwin Street, which would allow traffic to avoid crossing the grade level railroad tracks. The other study involves the stretch from US-131 to its connection with I-96. Among the recommendations are: a third lane from the I-96 interchange to US-131; a weave merge lane from Fuller Avenue to Division Avenue; new junctions from eastbound I-96 to westbound I-196, and from eastbound I-196 to westbound I-96; adjustments to exit ramps and local roads; and additional reconfiguration of the M-37 / M-44 (East Beltline) interchange area. JUNCTIONS
EXIT LIST SEE ALSO There are two business loops and one business spur along I-196:
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