Fellows Ave Utility Reconstruction Project

  • Project value$587,493
  • Project scheduleSummer 2026
  • Contractor namePeters Construction

The City of Kalamazoo is planning a full utility and roadway reconstruction project on Fellows Avenue. This project will include complete reconstruction of underground utilities and the roadway surface, bringing infrastructure up to current City standards. Work will include:

  • Full replacement of water main infrastructure
  • Full replacement of sanitary sewer infrastructure
  • Storm sewer replacement, where needed
  • Installation of a new road surface

Much of the existing utility infrastructure beneath Fellows Avenue is more than 100 years old and has exceeded its intended service life. This project will modernize those systems, improve long-term reliability, and reduce the likelihood of future service disruptions.

Construction and Impact

The primary impacts of this project will be to residents and properties located along Fellows Avenue. Access to homes will be maintained as much as possible throughout construction.

Temporary impacts will also occur on Burdick Street and Rose Street when crews connect the new utilities to the existing systems. These tie-ins may require short-term traffic disruptions while the connections are completed.

Background 

The clay sanitary sewer serving Fellows Avenue was originally constructed in 1912. Recent inspections identified breaks in the pipe, significant cracking, joint offsets, and root intrusion along its length. These conditions create a high risk of failure that could impact residents on Fellows Avenue as well as properties to the west that rely on this sewer main.

Root intrusion can lead to blockages in the main sewer line, increasing the risk of sewer backups. Offset pipe joints also make cleaning and inspection more difficult, which can further complicate maintenance efforts.

The 4-inch cast iron water main serving Fellows Avenue was constructed in 1936 and is also nearing the end of its service life. Replacing both the water and sewer infrastructure during the same construction window ensures that future service disruptions and road cuts are minimized.

Location

Fellows Ave, Kalamazoo 49001  View Map

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