KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Monday, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced that it is awarding two state Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category F grants to the cities of Kalamazoo and Marshall.
“From day one, I’ve been clear that we need to invest more in our state’s roads,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “Today, I’m proud to announce a transportation economic development grant that will help the City of Kalamazoo rebuild an important corridor in the community. Road projects like this connect workers to jobs and provide important links for our communities. We must do more to fix our roads and I stand ready to work with anyone willing to get the job done.”
Miller Road is a major east-west roadway in the city of Kalamazoo, serving several large industrial developments and providing access (via Sprinkle Road) to I-94, I-94 Business Loop, M-96, and M-43.
Years of heavy industrial and commercial use have contributed to the deterioration of the roadway and the pavement is nearing the end of its operational life.
To preserve the roadway’s all-season capabilities, the City of Kalamazoo will rebuild Miller Road from Emerald Drive to S. Sprinkle Road. Additional work includes replacing curb and gutter and upgrading ramps at intersections to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The total cost of the project is $775,575, with $375,000 in Category F funds and $400,575 in matching funds from the City of Kalamazoo.
In addition, the City of Marshall has received grant funds through this program to help repair Kalamazoo Avenue.
According to officials, Kalamazoo Avenue is a major north-south connector route in the city of Marshall. The roadway connects M-227 and I-94 with the downtown business district and the industrial areas on the city’s south side. The pavement is in poor condition and the roadway is nearing the end of its useful life.
To address the issue, the City of Marshall will rebuild S. Kalamazoo Avenue from I-94 Business Loop (Michigan Avenue) to M-227 (Industrial Drive). These improvements will prevent further deterioration and extend the useful life of the roadway.
Additional work includes ramp upgrades at intersections compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The total cost of the project is $307,924, with $246,340 in Category F funds and $61,584 in matching funds from the City of Marshall.
MDOT officials also explained that Category F grants provide funding for projects that include improving access to the state all-season system or improving safety and all-season capabilities on routes with high commercial traffic.
More information about the program is available online at www.Michigan.gov/TEDF.
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