As traffic patterns change in downtown Kalamazoo, expect a few bumps in the road

Editor’s Note: This series focuses on the many impacts of Kalamazoo County public transportation. It was made possible by support from Kalamazoo Metro Transit.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Road work and construction projects will make downtown Kalamazoo a bit more challenging to navigate this summer. 

But changes, which are expected to make the central business district safer, easier to navigate, and a more community-friendly traveling experience, should not be enough to thwart motorists who stay aware.

“There’s a lot going on and many different parts,” says Sean McBride, executive director of Kalamazoo Metro Transit. That presently includes planned road improvements, the ongoing construction of the Kalamazoo Event Center (the 450,000-square-foot facility at 411 W. Kalamazoo Ave.), and underground infrastructure work in the 100- and 200-blocks of East Kalamazoo Avenue, adjacent to the Kalamazoo Transportation Center.

The Kalamazoo Event Center, which will have the capacity to seat up to 8,000 patrons for sporting events and shows, is expected to be completed as early as this July. And Consumers Energy is working to improve some of its underground gas mains in support of the growth in downtown facilities.

“Essentially, Kalamazoo is doing some road reconstruction work and Consumers Energy is supporting that,” says Trisha Bloembergen, spokeswoman for Consumers Energy. “But also, at the same time, we’re going to take the opportunity to upgrade some gas mains. So this should actually help to minimize the cost and any future (service) disruptions to customers.”

The work, which started about a month ago, is part of the utility service’s long-term Natural Gas Delivery Plan. 

“It’s really, really focused on providing an even safer, reliable, affordable and clean system,” Bloembergen says. “And this project — specifically with those gas mains — is going to help lower the emissions factor. So it really is a more environmentally friendly option.”

Metro Transit will use the Mystop app and its Facebook page to help communicate changes in its bus routes as the Kalamazoo Streets For All plan is implemented downtown.

According to the City of Kalamazoo, Streets For All is a lane-conversion project that “will transform downtown Kalamazoo into a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant destination that offers safe travel for all modes of transportation.” Under development since 2022, the plan is intended to slow motor-vehicle traffic and enhance bicycle lanes, walkways, and public transit lines. It includes several projects that involve major infrastructure work. Major efforts that are starting this year include converting several one-way streets into two-way thoroughfares. 

That includes two of the downtown’s biggest traffic arteries — Kalamazoo Avenue in 2026-27 and Michigan Avenue by 2028. Major projects will include:

• The conversion of parts of West Main Street and Douglas Avenue into two-way streets.
• The conversion of Kalamazoo Avenue from a one-way street into a two-way thoroughfare. Work is set to start on the eastern end of the street this spring.
• Replacing underground water mains on Burdick Street.
• And the construction of a new parking ramp near Kalamazoo Avenue.

The county’s public transportation system has 45 full-size buses that provide about 5,000 rides to people each workday on fixed routes that radiate from downtown Kalamazoo. About half of those riders start or end their trips downtown.

“We’re pretty torn up at our Transportation Center,” McBride says, referring to the county’s train and bus hub, which it oversees. Consumers Energy’s work on natural gas lines has required construction teams to narrow part of busy Kalamazoo Avenue from three lanes of vehicle traffic to two. 

“One of our priorities working with Consumers Energy is trying to make sure people who are accessing the facility, whether it’s being dropped off in a car or walking or maybe they use an assisted mobility device, (is) how do we make sure there is a connection?” McBride says.

While short-term construction projects will require adjustments, he says, redesigning bus routes to fit the east- and west-flow of traffic on Kalamazoo Avenue and points beyond will be a significant challenge. “But I think the impact will be positive for the riders,” he says.

Metro is working with Western Michigan University to plan routes that help transport people to and from the new Kalamazoo Event Center. WMU’s basketball, ice hockey, and other sports teams will be major users of the entertainment venue.

“They’re moving along with construction really fast,” McBride says. “I think it’s going to be a great amenity for our community. For public transit, we’re in discussions with Western and others on how do we service the facility as we are adjusting routes for both all-day use but also for bigger, special events.”

He asked that Metro riders be patient in the coming weeks, and he suggests that riders make it a habit to watch for changes and plan ahead. “We’ll do our best to communicate those things as we know the details,” he says.