KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A major construction project taking place on Cork Street has been postponed, city officials have confirmed.
Contractor K&R had already begun the project last month, but are now halting work until April 20 due to the ongoing COVID-19 spread. That date will continue to be reassessed as more details of the outbreak come to light.
The project involves 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.
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.
The Cork Street Improvement project is expected to continue into late 2020, with most of the work being completed by November.
