Kalamazoo Times

As summer concludes, Western Michigan University's campus is preparing for Fall Welcome 2024. The Housing and Residence Life team has been working to ensure a smooth move-in experience. Awareness of Kalamazoo’s ongoing construction projects near campus can help avoid additional stress.

The city is undertaking several road projects to improve safety and connectivity to downtown. Visitors can reach the campus via US-131 by taking the Stadium Drive exit east toward Kalamazoo.

Construction on the railroad tracks across Howard Street at Stadium Drive is expected to finish by Friday, Aug. 16, with all lanes reopening in time for move-in week. Howard Street between Stadium Drive and West Michigan Avenue has been resurfaced, with new left turn lanes added from Howard to both Rogowski Avenue and West Michigan Avenue, along with a concrete curb and grassed median island. New sidewalk ramps have also been installed at the south side of the Howard/Michigan intersection.

Families planning to explore downtown should be aware of lane restrictions and road closures in areas such as Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo Avenue, Park Street, and Westnedge Avenue due to utility projects for a new event center and future growth. A detailed map and timeline of detours are available online.

A “cycle track” pilot on Lovell Street between Pitcher Street and Stadium Drive separates a bike lane from traffic using a temporary curb and reflective posts. Dennis Randolph, the city’s public works manager and traffic engineer, states that this initiative aims to slow drivers and encourage cyclists and pedestrians to engage with downtown.

A water main reconstruction project significantly impacts Westnedge Avenue, which remains open only southbound until November. Howard Street will close at Westnedge Avenue starting Monday, Aug. 19.

Since 2021, Kalamazoo has secured over $80 million in grants for transportation, safety, and stormwater infrastructure improvements.

"These grants stipulate the projects be done within a certain time frame; otherwise the city of Kalamazoo loses the funding," says Michael Smith, communications manager for the city.

"With this additional funding comes additional construction projects along with opportunities for future improvements," Smith adds. "Our investments today will ensure reliable drinking water and safe travel for all modes of transportation."

Updates on these infrastructure projects can be found on Kalamazoo's official website.

For more WMU news, arts, and events visit WMU News online.

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