Kalamazoo approves Portage Street road redesign, advances rail relocation planning

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a $1.04 million agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation Monday to move forward with a Portage Street redesign. The project will reduce the road from four lanes to three, and add bike lanes between Cork Street and Stockbridge Avenue.

The project, approved on a 6-1 vote with Vice Mayor Drew Duncan dissenting, is funded with $750,000 in federal grant money and $289,402 from the city’s Major Streets Capital Budget. City officials say the redesign is intended to improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians along one of Kalamazoo’s busiest corridors. 

In addition to removing one travel lane in each direction, the project will include solar-powered rectangular rapid-flashing beacons at several crossings, pavement crack filling and sealing, pedestrian refuge islands, curb ramps, lighting, signage and new pavement markings.

The redesign is part of Kalamazoo’s Streets for All initiative, which aims to create safer streets for people traveling by car, bike, and foot.

Before voting no, Duncan asked several questions about sidewalk extensions and the inclusion of bike lanes.

“You know how I feel about the bike lanes,” Duncan said at the outset of the discussion.

Commissioner Chris Praedel voiced strong support for the project.

“This is long overdue, and I feel very confident there will be lives saved,” Praedel said.

Public Services Director and City Engineer James Baker said Kalamazoo maintains 265 centerline miles of roads.

Water project plan approved

Commissioners also unanimously adopted a project plan for future water system improvements.

During discussion, Baker said the work would be coordinated with the city’s smart meter replacement program so residents could receive both upgrades during the same visit, reducing disruptions.

The resolution designated Baker as the city’s authorized representative for the project. 

While applauding Baker’s efforts, City Manager Malcolm Hankins reported that after these replacements, the city will be at a 67% completion rate for lead lines, something he said is not common and should not be taken for granted.

Rail relocation planning moves to next step

The commission also unanimously approved a $3.225 million funding package to continue planning for the long-discussed relocation of the rail yard and elimination of railroad crossings in the city. 

The package includes federal Railroad Crossing Elimination grant funding and state incentive payments. The money will support planning and design work rather than construction.

Baker said the eventual project could cost between $50 million and $100 million once a final plan is selected.

Commissioner Jeanne Hess asked where that money would come from. Baker said the city expects to pursue federal and state grants, seek contributions from the rail companies involved and potentially commit city funds.

Commissioner Jacqueline Slaby asked whether rail-to-trail opportunities and possible future investment in high-speed rail were being considered as part of the planning process. Baker said he would have to do further research to give her an adequate response.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.