US-131/US-131 Business Route ramps open in Kalamazoo

Fast facts:

• Expansion of the US-131 interchange with US-131 Business Route (BR) to a full interchange is complete with new ramps open from westbound US-131 BR to southbound US-131, and from westbound northbound US-131 to eastbound US-131.
• The $19 million project started in February.
• The expanded interchange will improve access for residents and businesses from US-131.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and contractor Anlaan Corp. have substantially completed work to expand the US-131 interchange with US-131 Business Route (BR) north of Kalamazoo, adding new ramps from northbound US-131 to eastbound US-131 BR, and from westbound US-131 BR to southbound US-131.

The opening of the newly built ramps was celebrated Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring several state and community leaders who were part of the visioning and planning process.

"It's a win for our transit, our drivability, and our navigation around our community," said State Sen. Sean McCann, 19th District. "It ties right into Kalamazoo's complete streets strategy, and it's going to bolster the exciting momentum that's going on in downtown and our nearby neighborhoods."

US-131 BR originally was completed in 1964, and this expansion project is made possible by funding secured by Sen. McCann, Michigan Rep. Julie Rogers, and former U.S. Congressman Fred Upton.

"Way back in 2013, '14, when our legislative delegation came to us at the time and said, the municipalities are fractured. We need you to get on the same page with one request," said Rep. Rogers, 41st District. "We said our number one transportation priority is this project, this 131 business loop."

"It's my greatest hope from this project that we will see a better quality of life realized in the Northside and nearby areas," McCann said.