Facility Overview

The 1382 N Burkhart Rd Parking facility, officially maintained as the MDOT Carpool Lot (Howell - Burkhart), serves as a primary park-and-ride commuter asset for Livingston County. Situated directly adjacent to the interchange of Interstate 96 and North Burkhart Road (Exit 133), this open-air surface parking facility offers convenient, grade-level vehicle accommodation. Because it is designed entirely as an uncovered asphalt lot, there are zero overhead clearance restrictions, making it equally accommodating for compact passenger cars, full-size pickup trucks, family SUVs, commercial work vans, and high-roof conversion vehicles. Well-marked stalls and wide driving aisles ensure smooth two-way circulation and hassle-free maneuverability for larger wheelbases.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically positioned in Howell's active commercial and travel corridor, this parking location provides immediate proximity to numerous retail, hospitality, and civic destinations:

• Kensington Valley Outlets (formerly Tanger Outlets Howell): Located just across the corridor (under 0.5 miles / a 2-minute drive), providing regional outlet shopping including brand-name apparel and retail stores.
• Local Dining & Convenience: Steps away from Leo's Coney Island Howell, Outlet Sunoco, and fast-casual eateries ideal for grabbing food or fuel before joining a carpool.
• Nearby Accommodations: Immediately neighboring hotels include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Howell and Baymont by Wyndham, convenient for traveling out-of-town colleagues.
• Historic Downtown Howell: Situated roughly 3.5 miles east (about a 7-minute drive via Grand River Avenue), granting quick access to the historic Livingston County Courthouse, the Howell Opera House, Historic Howell Theater, local boutiques, and seasonal gatherings such as the Howell Melon Festival and Howell Farmers Market.
• Thompson Lake & Scofield City Park: Located about 4 miles east, offering public beach access, boat launches, walking trails, and community recreation.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via North Burkhart Road, featuring dedicated turning lanes and clear directional signage leading directly into the lot. The facility sits immediately alongside the on- and off-ramps for Interstate 96 (Exit 133), allowing motorists to merge onto the freeway in less than a minute. I-96 offers rapid east-west transit, connecting commuters west toward Lansing and Michigan State University (approximately 35 miles), or east toward Brighton, US-23, Novi, and greater Metropolitan Detroit. Regional demand-response public transit, such as LETS (Livingston Essential Transportation Services), operates throughout Livingston County, while regional carpools frequently coordinate pickups right at this designated lot.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Free Commuter Parking: Operated as a public state carpool lot with no daily fees, hourly meters, or gate permits required.
• Open-Air Surface Design: Grade-level parking with no overhead height barriers, suitable for high-profile vehicles, roof racks, and utility trucks.
• Accessible Stalls: Clearly designated ADA-compliant spaces located near the main pedestrian walkways.
• Overhead Illumination: High-mast dusk-to-dawn area lighting enhances visibility and driver safety during early morning and late evening arrivals.
• Continuous 24/7 Access: Ungated and operational around the clock, accommodating varying shift schedules and extended carpool days.

Ideal For

• Daily Highway Commuters: Drivers meeting carpool and vanpool partners heading toward Lansing, Ann Arbor, or the Detroit metropolitan area.
• Regional Shoppers & Travelers: Visitors meeting friends or family to carpool to the adjacent Kensington Valley Outlets or downtown Howell events.
• Business Travelers & Colleagues: Convenient neutral meeting point for mobile teams, field contractors, and attendees visiting nearby business parks and commercial corridors.

Visitor & Driver Tips

As a designated Michigan Department of Transportation carpool lot, spaces are provided on a first-come, first-served basis without advance reservation requirements. Commuters traveling during peak morning rush hours (between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM) are encouraged to arrive early to claim the most accessible stalls. While 24-hour commuter parking is permitted, vehicles should remain within painted boundary lines and cannot be stored indefinitely or abandoned. Drivers should always lock doors, roll up windows, and keep all personal items and valuables out of plain view.