
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Detroit, United States
1. I-75 (Dan Ryan Expressway)
A major north-south highway in Detroit, connecting the city with Windsor, Canada. Notable for its iconic skyline views.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during rush hours and weekend evenings.
- Construction Zones: Be aware of occasional construction zones, especially in the summer months.
- Ramp Merges: Merging ramps can be tricky; always use caution when joining traffic.
2. I-94 (John C. Lodge Freeway)
A key east-west highway, offering access to Detroit Metropolitan Airport and downtown Detroit.
- Roadwork: Be mindful of frequent road construction and detours.
- Elevated Roadway: The elevated sections provide scenic views but may require caution when changing lanes.
- Intersections with Major Streets: Intersections with Woodward Ave, Michigan Ave, and Jefferson Ave can be busy and complex.
3. M-10 (Fort Street Connector)
A vital highway that connects downtown Detroit with the Ambassador Bridge to Canada.
- Toll Plaza: Prepare for a toll plaza when crossing the Ambassador Bridge.
- Construction: Be prepared for periodic construction and potential delays.
- Interchange Complexity: The interchange with I-75 can be challenging due to its design and complex ramps.
4. I-96 (John R. Dodge Freeway)
Connects Detroit with Lansing and Chicago, offering access to Eastern Market and Ford Field.
- Rush Hour Congestion: Expect heavy traffic during rush hours.
- Construction Zones: Be alert for periodic construction zones and associated delays.
- Interchange with I-75: The interchange with I-75 can be confusing; be attentive when navigating the area.
5. I-375 (Chrysler Freeway)
A short highway that connects downtown Detroit with I-75; offers unique urban views.
- Limited Access: Has limited access points and is primarily for through traffic.
- Construction Zones: Periodic construction can cause congestion or lane closures.
- Downtown Traffic: Can be impacted by downtown Detroit traffic, especially during events at Ford Field or Comerica Park.
6. I-696 (Van Dyke Expressway)
Connects west suburbs of Detroit with downtown and the northern part of the city.
- Rush Hour Congestion: Expect heavy traffic during rush hours and weekend evenings.
- Construction Zones: Frequent construction can cause delays; stay updated on current road conditions.
- Interchange Complexity: The interchange with I-94 and M-3 can be challenging due to their design.
7. M-102 (Grand River Avenue)
A major arterial road running east-west through Detroit; offers access to Belle Isle Park.
- Local Traffic: Can be impacted by local traffic and pedestrians, especially in residential areas.
- Construction Zones: Periodic construction can cause lane closures or delays; stay updated on current road conditions.
- Bicycle Lanes: Look out for bicyclists, especially during warmer months when more people are active.
8. M-3 (Jefferson Avenue)
A major east-west arterial road that connects Detroit with Windsor, Canada.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during rush hours and weekend evenings.
- Construction Zones: Frequent construction can cause delays; stay updated on current road conditions.
- Intersection with I-94: The intersection with I-94 can be challenging due to its complexity and heavy traffic.
9. M-5 (Woodward Avenue)
A historic east-west road that runs through downtown Detroit, offering access to cultural attractions.
- Local Traffic: Can be impacted by local traffic and pedestrians, especially in residential areas.
- Construction Zones: Periodic construction can cause lane closures or delays; stay updated on current road conditions.
- Bicycle Lanes: Look out for bicyclists, especially during warmer months when more people are active.
10. Jefferson Chalmers Expressway
A major northeast-southwest road connecting Detroit's east side with the central city.
- Local Traffic: Can be impacted by local traffic and pedestrians, especially in residential areas.
- Construction Zones: Frequent construction can cause delays; stay updated on current road conditions.
- Intersection Complexity: The intersections with other major roads, like I-94 and I-96, can be challenging due to their design.
11. Gratiot Avenue
A key north-south road that connects downtown Detroit with the city's east side.
- Local Traffic: Can be impacted by local traffic and pedestrians, especially in residential areas.
- Construction Zones: Frequent construction can cause delays; stay updated on current road conditions.
- Bicycle Lanes: Look out for bicyclists, especially during warmer months when more people are active.
12. Michigan Avenue
A major north-south road that connects downtown Detroit with the city's west side.
- Local Traffic: Can be impacted by local traffic and pedestrians, especially in residential areas.
- Construction Zones: Frequent construction can cause delays; stay updated on current road conditions.
- Intersection Complexity: The intersections with other major roads, like I-94 and I-75, can be challenging due to their design.
13. Van Dyke Avenue
A key north-south arterial road that runs through Detroit's eastern suburbs.
- Local Traffic: Can be impacted by local traffic and pedestrians, especially in residential areas.
- Construction Zones: Frequent construction can cause delays; stay updated on current road conditions.
- Bicycle Lanes: Look out for bicyclists, especially during warmer months when more people are active.
14. 7 Mile Road
A major east-west road that connects Detroit's north side with the city's south side.
- Local Traffic: Can be impacted by local traffic and pedestrians, especially in residential areas.
- Construction Zones: Frequent construction can cause delays; stay updated on current road conditions.
- Intersection Complexity: The intersections with other major roads, like I-96 and I-75, can be challenging due to their design.
15. Woodward Corridor
A redeveloped area of Detroit featuring a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
- Pedestrian Traffic: Expect increased pedestrian activity during daytime hours.
- Construction Zones: Ongoing construction may cause lane closures or delays; stay updated on current road conditions.
- Parking Availability: Finding parking can be challenging during peak hours, especially during events at Little Caesars Arena or Comerica Park.