Kalamazoo using $25M grant to redo these five streets

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — The city of Kalamazoo has received a $25 million grant as it works to redo some of its roads.

The city is converting some one-way roads to allow two-way traffic. It’s also updating some underground utilities and making street infrastructure safer and more “people-focused,” it said in a Thursday release. The projects are part of its Streets For All initiative .

As the city works to restructure some of its roads, the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded Kalamazoo a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant. It’s the largest of three RAISE grants going to Michigan, the city said.

The grant will fund five construction projects in the city:

• West Main Street from Douglas Avenue to Michigan Avenue: West Main Street will become a two-way street with two lanes in both directions, and left turn lanes will be added, among other updates.
• South Street from Stadium Drive to South Pitcher Street: South Street will have one lane in each direction, with on-street parking options. Other updates include upgrades to the Metro bus stops.
• Lovell Street from Stadium Drive to Portage Street: Lovell Street will also become a two-way street. A portion will have a dedicated bike lane, and another portion will have on-street parking. Other changes include adding left turn lanes and relocating signals.
• Stadium Drive from Division Street to Lovell Street to Michigan Avenue: A modified roundabout will have a metering light for traffic flow. “Two lanes will exist to the north of the roundabout, with a grassy center median. Academy Street will be a right-in, right out intersection. A pedestrian crossing will be installed mid-block with a HAWK (high-intensity activated crosswalk beacon) signal,” the release says. A bike and pedestrian facility is set to be installed, among other upgrades.
• Douglas Avenue from Kalamazoo Avenue to West Main Street: Douglas Avenue will have one lane in both directions and a left turn lane in the center. Other updates include a new sidewalk and Metro bus line upgrades.

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