Community Open Houses for Upcoming Street Safety Projects
Published on November 10, 2025
The City of Kalamazoo will host two community open houses to share information on upcoming safety and maintenance projects planned for Cork Street (Westnedge to Portage), Lovers Lane (Foley to Portage), and Portage Street (Cork to Stockbridge). These projects will improve safety for all users, extend the life of the pavement, and create more comfortable and connected streets.
The open houses will provide residents with an opportunity to review project details, learn about the benefits of the proposed changes, and speak directly with City of Kalamazoo staff. Staff will be available throughout the meetings to explain the reasoning behind the design, discuss anticipated outcomes, and answer any questions from community members. Both meetings will include the same information.
Milwood Neighborhood Meeting
- Location: Milwood Elementary School, 3400 Lovers Lane
- Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
- Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Edison Neighborhood Meeting
- Location: Edison Neighborhood Association, 816 Washington Avenue
- Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
- Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
“These projects are focused on safety,” said Dennis Randolph, public works manager and traffic engineer, City of Kalamazoo. “Converting a four-lane road to three lanes is a proven way to reduce crashes, and as a result, reduce injuries and deaths on our roadways. Three-lane roads have far fewer opportunities for vehicles to collide, and previous projects like those on Parkview, Whites, Oakland, and even other parts of Cork and Portage, have proven their effectiveness.”
The projects will convert existing four-lane roads into three-lane layouts with one through lane in each direction, a center left-turn lane, and bike lanes on both sides. Mid-block pedestrian crossings will also be added along each corridor, featuring pedestrian refuge islands, pedestrian lighting, and rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) for improved visibility and safety.
Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2026. Both projects are funded in part by a federal safety grant.