Facility Overview

The Park and Ride (Exit 137) carpool lot is situated at 1196 Pinckney Road (County Road D-19) in Howell, Michigan, strategically placed right at the interchange of Interstate 96 and Pinckney Road. Managed as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Carpool Parking Lot Program, this open-air surface parking facility provides an essential staging point for daily commuters, ridesharers, and regional travelers traversing Livingston County and the broader southeast Michigan corridor. The lot features an open layout with standard lined bays and clear drive aisles. Because it is an open-air surface lot without structural overhangs or multi-tier ceilings, there are no overhead clearance restrictions, making it easily accessible for standard passenger sedans, crossover vehicles, full-size pickup trucks, conversion vans, and high-roof work vehicles.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Conveniently located just south of downtown Howell, the Exit 137 Park and Ride serves as a vital bridge between residential neighborhoods and regional business destinations. Key nearby attractions and destinations include:

• Historic Downtown Howell: Located approximately 2 miles north (a 5-minute drive), featuring the Livingston County Courthouse, vibrant local dining along Grand River Avenue, boutique retail, and community events like the Howell Melon Festival.
• Tanger Outlets Howell: Located about 6 miles northwest along I-96, offering major brand retail shopping and dining.
• Howell City Park and Thompson Lake: Situated approximately 2.5 miles to the north, offering lakeside recreation, boat launches, and walking trails.
• Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan: Positioned about 25 miles south down D-19/US-23, making this lot an exceptionally convenient rendezvous point for university staff, hospital employees, and commuters traveling south.
• Greater Lansing / East Lansing: Roughly 35 miles west along the I-96 corridor, ideal for state government employees and Michigan State University commuters.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Access to the lot is straightforward via Pinckney Road (D-19), immediately off the Interstate 96 Exit 137 on/off ramps. Ingress and egress are clearly marked with dedicated entrance drives designed to keep local traffic moving smoothly. Traffic flow runs smoothly even during peak weekday morning and evening rush hours, thanks to nearby signalized intersections and freeway ramps. While regional fixed-route municipal rail is not present in Howell, the lot serves as an informal staging location for carpools, vanpools, Livingston Essential Transportation Services (LETS) connections, and private rideshare vehicles traveling along I-96 toward Lansing, Brighton, Ann Arbor, or the Detroit metro area.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Free Public Parking: Zero-fare staging maintained by MDOT for daily commuters and rideshare participants.
• Paved Surface Lot: Well-maintained asphalt surfacing with clear painted stall markings and spacious lane widths.
• No Height Restrictions: Open-air configuration accommodating tall commercial vans, oversized trucks, and vehicles with rooftop carriers.
• Designated Accessible Spaces: ADA-compliant parking stalls located near access curb cuts with marked access aisles.
• Overnight Lighting: High-mast overhead flood lighting designed to improve visibility and vehicle security during early morning and late evening hours.
• 24/7 Continuous Access: Unrestricted access around the clock, allowing drivers to meet and depart at any schedule.

Ideal For

• Daily Highway Commuters: Professionals commuting toward Lansing, Brighton, Novi, or Detroit who meet colleagues to carpool along I-96.
• Ann Arbor & University Commuters: Drivers coordinating rideshares heading south along Pinckney Road and US-23 toward U-M campuses and medical complexes.
• Regional Rideshare & Carpooling: Families, friends, and coworkers organizing single-vehicle travel for weekend trips, sporting events, or concerts in nearby metros.
• Short-Term Daytime Staging: Delivery drivers, commercial reps, and travelers taking a brief rest stop adjacent to the Interstate.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking in MDOT carpool facilities is generally permitted for up to 48 hours for carpoolers, but long-term multi-day vehicle abandonment is monitored and prohibited by local and state police. While the facility is illuminated, drivers are strongly advised to secure all doors, roll up windows, and remove valuable belongings or store them out of sight in the trunk. During winter weather, snow removal is managed routinely by road maintenance crews, but drivers should exercise caution during freezing rain or heavy snowfall when arriving early in the morning. When setting GPS navigation, use the full address at 1196 Pinckney Rd or navigate directly to Interstate 96 Exit 137 to ensure you enter via the proper access apron.