1. South Westnedge Avenue Enhancement Projects (SWEPS)
 
In March 2006, engineers contracted by the city began the process of designing the improvements associated with SWEPs. The city hosted an Open House on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at Portage City Hall. The Open House allowed the public to view the preliminary design, ask questions and provide input that will ultimately lead to the best design product. Conceptual plans for areas north of I-94 have been updated to reflect revisions and refinements to the original plan. The final construction plans have been completed and forwarded to the Michigan Department of Transportation for Bidding.

Construction in 2008 focused on widening South Westnedge Avenue to three travel lanes northbound from Amos Avenue to Old Kilgore Road. Southbound, the roadway was widened to three travel lanes from north of Market Place to the westbound  I-94 on-ramp. The project included new sidewalk on both sides of the street, new concrete driveway approaches, center median construction, and landscaping.  Currently the Michigan Department of transportation has begun the constructo ofI-94 widenng ffrom east of Oakland Drive to west of Portage Road. 

The current project includes the replacement of the South Westnedge Avenue bridge and the reconstuction of the I-94/South Westnedge Avenue intersection.
 
The next construction phase of SWEPs is the scheduled widening of an additional northbound through lane from Milham Avenue to Dawnlee Avenue. The current estimated construction date for this phase is 2015-16. The final phase of SWEPs will include the widening of southbound South Westnedge Avenue from Kilgore Road to Trade Centre Way with a 3rd through lane. This phase is currently scheduled to be built in 2016-17.

2. West Milham Avenue Improvements - Angling Road to 12th Street
 
The reconstruction of West Milham Avenue from Angling Road to 12th Street is included in the City of Portage 2009-10 Capital Improvement Program Budget. For many years, the Portage City Council has established the improvement of West Milham Avenue from 12th Street to Oakland Drive as a major infrastructure improvement priority. The section of West Milham Avenue from Angling Road to 12th Street is the second phase of this roadway improvement following the completion of the section from Angling Road to Oakland Drive in 2009.
 
West Milham Avenue from Angling Road to 12th Street is currently a two-lane section of roadway which does not have adequate capacity to handle current traffic volumes. Additionally, the existing pavement is deteriorated and in need of reconstruction. This project will include complete street reconstruction of West Milham Avenue from Angling Road to 12th Street. Features of the roadway improvements include:
 - Sanitary sewer installation(Baywood Avenue to Mcgillicuddy Lane)
 - Storm sewer and drainage structures
 - Concrete curb and gutter
 - Replacement of deteriorated concrete sidewalks
 - Bike lanesConcrete driveway approaches

West Milham Avenue from Angling Road to 12th Street has been designated a Residential Conservation Corridor and the proposed improvements are intended to preserve and protect the residential character of the neighborhood. The new roadway section will generally consist of the following features:

 - One westbound through lane
 - One eastbound through lane
 - A center optional left-turn lane, bicycle lanes on both sides of the street
 - Concrete sidewalks on both sides of the street
 - Various landscaping improvements
 
During construction two-way traffic will be maintained on temporary lanes. Driveway access will be restricted during concrete curb and driveway installation.

The project will be bid in early 2010 and a contractor will be awarded a contract by the Michigan Department of Transportation to construct the project.  Construction typically begins in May with private utility relocations occurring in March or April as weather permits.  The project should be substantially complete (open to traffic) by October, 2010 with final completion scheduled for late fall 2010.
 
3. I-94 Widening and Reconstruction Project
 
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is widening I-94 from west of US-131 to east of Oakland Drive. Work includes the reconstruction of the I-94/US-131 and I-94/Oakland Drive interchanges, as well as widening 2.6 miles of I-94 to add one through lane in each direction.
 
For project details including road closure information, please visit the Michigan Department of Transportation website. You will need to select Kalamazoo County from the drop down box. You may also contact the City of Portage Department of Transportation and Utilities at 329-4422.