Construction to Begin Monday, July 13, on Kalamazoo Avenue Project

The Kalamazoo Avenue reconstruction project is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 13, marking the start of one of the largest infrastructure investments in downtown Kalamazoo in decades. 

The project is part of the City's Streets For All initiative and will modernize aging underground utilities while rebuilding Kalamazoo Avenue into a safer, more connected corridor that better serves residents, businesses, and visitors. 

"For decades, our community has been talking about how to make downtown easier to reach, safer to navigate, and better connected to the neighborhoods that surround it," said Christina Anderson, Deputy Director of Community Planning & Economic Development and City Planner. "This project marks the beginning of turning that vision into reality. We're creating a street that better serves everyone, whether you're driving, walking, biking, or taking transit, while making it easier to reach downtown businesses, homes, parks, and destinations. It's the first step in building a downtown that is more connected, more welcoming, and better prepared for the next generation." 

Construction will begin near the intersection of Westnedge Avenue and Kalamazoo Avenue and progress eastward in short segments toward Pitcher Street. The project has been designed to minimize disruption by completing work in smaller phases and reopening each section before moving to the next. 

One lane of traffic on Kalamazoo Avenue is expected to remain open for the majority of construction, with limited temporary full closures on north/south streets for underground utility crossings. 

The project includes the replacement of aging water mains and underground utilities, storm sewer improvements, new sidewalks, upgraded pedestrian and roadway lighting, modern traffic signals, landscaping, and a roadway designed to support the future conversion of Kalamazoo Avenue to two-way traffic (expected to occur in late 2027). 

In advance of construction, City staff have worked directly with property owners, businesses, residents, and employees along the corridor to discuss construction timing, access, and project phasing. The City also hosted a public preconstruction meeting in late June to provide an overview of the project, answer questions, and help prepare the community for construction. 

Project information, construction schedules, traffic updates, frequently asked questions, and an option to sign up for email updates are available at www.kalamazoocity.org/kalamazooave. 

The Kalamazoo Avenue reconstruction project is part of a broader historic investment in downtown infrastructure that is replacing aging utilities, improving transportation safety, strengthening neighborhood connections, and preparing downtown Kalamazoo for future growth. Visit www.kalamazoocity.org/StreetsForAll to learn more, watch a short overview video, and sign up for project updates.