The two parts effectively served as a bypass of Lancaster and Taxahaw.

The western segment of SC 96 began at an intersection with U.S. Route 521 (US 521) north-northwest of Lancaster.

It traveled to the east-northeast and met SC 200 north-northeast of the city.

It curved to the southeast and met the southern terminus of SC 273 north-northeast of Taxahaw.

It proceeded in a fairly northerly direction and met its northern terminus, an intersection with the eastern terminus of SC 943 (now Overbrook Road).