Capitol News

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced that the replacement of the US-131 bridges over KL Avenue and the Amtrak railroad in Kalamazoo is moving into a new phase. The project, which is in its second year, is part of a three-year plan with a total investment of $24 million. Work for this year is expected to conclude in late November.

According to MDOT, southbound US-131 will have single-lane closures starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, and ending at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 16. During this time, traffic will be shifted onto the newly constructed lanes and bridge. After this shift, crews will begin removing temporary lanes and bridge structures.

KL Avenue, which passes under US-131, will remain closed through the winter months. It is not expected to reopen until late summer 2026, when reconstruction is complete. Planned work on KL Avenue next year includes rebuilding the road, upgrading the sanitary sewer system, installing new culverts, and adding a nonmotorized path.

MDOT stated, "The second year of the three-year, $24 million investment to replace the US-131 bridges over KL Avenue and the Amtrak railroad in Kalamazoo is expected to wrap up in late November." The department added, "KL Avenue will remain closed under US-131 until rebuilding is complete in 2026." Additionally, MDOT said, "US-131 traffic will be on the new lanes and bridges over KL Avenue by Thursday evening."

The department also noted that economic modeling indicates this project will support 341 jobs, both directly and indirectly.