KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — New street construction projects are scheduled to begin in July as construction season continues in Kalamazoo.
Projects will start on Westnedge Avenue, Park Street, North Street, Rose Street, and a detour will take effect on Miller Road as that project progresses. Signed detour routes will be posted as needed.
Miller Road Eastbound Detour starts Monday, July 11
An eastbound detour on Miller Road between Emerald Drive and Sprinkle Road is scheduled to start on Monday, July 11. A signed detour route will be in place from Emerald Drive to Cork Street to Sprinkle Road for approximately one week. This project is expected to be completed in August and includes a repaved road surface and improvements to bike lanes, curbs, and drainage.
Westnedge & Park Fog Sealing Project
A fog sealing project on Westnedge Avenue and Park Street between Dunkley Street and Michigan Avenue is scheduled to start on Monday, July 11. This work is expected to be completed in mid to late July and will include re-sealing the pavement and repainting the traffic markings.
Both streets will remain open to traffic with at least one lane open throughout the project. During re-sealing work, partial lane closures will be in place for four to eight hours at a time, which may result in delays.
Fog sealing the street will result in a smooth uniform surface and help keep the street in good condition. The lane markings will be repainted to right-size vehicle lanes to an 11-foot width to calm traffic. Bike lanes will be added in the remaining space and on-street parking will be added in some areas.
In addition to re-sealing, more crosswalk and sidewalk improvements will be made and a pop-up bike lane will be piloted on Westnedge Avenue from Lovell Street to Dutton Street in 2022. This work is part of a project launched in 2021 to calm traffic on Westnedge Avenue and Park Street. Implementation began in Fall 2021 with the installation of crosswalks, signage, and speed radars in the Northside neighborhood. These improvements are based on community input, traffic crash data, and street design best practices.
In 2023, Westnedge and Park will be fog sealed and repainted from Michigan Avenue to Crosstown Parkway to right-size vehicle lanes and add bike facilities. More information on this project is available at www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/westnedgepark
North Street East Railroad Crossing Detour
Grand Elk Railroad will start work to improve the east railroad crossing on North Street located just east of Porter Street on Monday, July 11. North Street will be closed at the railroad crossing for one-week while improvements are made. Signed detour routes will be in place.
This project will include grading improvements and resurfacing of the nearby asphalt as needed to create smoother surfaces for both drivers and pedestrians. Improvements to the west railroad crossing on North Street were completed in June. This work is part of a larger project to improve five railroad crossings in Kalamazoo this summer including crossings on North Street, Frank Street, Michigan Avenue, and Kalamazoo Avenue.
South Rose Street Resurfacing Project
A project to resurface Rose Street between Lovell Street and Crosstown Parkway is also scheduled to start on Monday, July 11. The project will include milling and resurfacing the roadway with new asphalt and repairs to curb and gutters. Sidewalk ramps will also be upgraded at several intersections to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
The street will remain open to two-way traffic throughout the project, however, there may be delays due to partial lane closures. On-street parking on Rose Street will not be available for most of the project. Construction is scheduled to be completed in September.
More information on active projects is available at www.kalamazoocity.org/projects. Residents can also view projects happening near them by viewing the My Area Map on the City of Kalamazoo website.
