KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A portion of Cork Street in Kalamazoo will see changes to driving lanes and the addition of bike paths as the city prepares for the 35-week project to begin.
The $6.5 million dollar project will involve the implementation of a “road diet” plan for the stretch of Cork Street between Sprinkle Road and Lovers Lane in the city’s Milwood Neighborhood. A redesign of the street will reduce the current two lanes of traffic going in both directions to just one going each way, and the addition of a middle turn lane.
Cork street will also feature the installation of two bicycle lanes in both directions, making it easier for cyclists to move through the area.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Services say the first portion of construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 2nd and will shut down eastbound road traffic on Cork Street between Portage Street and Emerald Drive, with work continuing until mid-July. City officials say that westbound traffic on Cork Street is expected to remain open during most of the redesign period.
Included in the plan is the rebuilding of the intersection at Portage Street and Cork Street, and the replacement of aging water main pipes under the constructed roadway. Also addressed will be crumbling sidewalks along the street’s path with repaving planned and new crosswalks introduced.
Additional work will take place on a new culvert at a creek that intersects Cork Street and the building of a new railroad crossway.
Kalamazoo city commissioners previously approved a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation to carry out the plan at a meeting on September 16th, 2019. The goals achieved bring the city closer to realizing it’s “complete streets” plan, increasing safety and mobility for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
The Cork Street Improvement project is expected to continue into late 2020, with most of the work being completed by November.
