Major Road Construction Begins at Busy Kalamazoo County Interchange

*KALAMAZOO, MI* — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has begun construction on a $13.4 million road improvement project at the I-94 and US-131 interchange in Kalamazoo County, with work expected to continue through September 2026.

The project, being executed by Allegan County contractor Milbocker \& Sons, aims to add a new auxiliary lane to help manage traffic flow between the busy highway interchange and Stadium Drive.

What Is an Auxiliary Lane?

According to MDOT spokesperson Nick Schrippa, the new lane is designed as an "auxiliary lane" that connects the entrance ramp from westbound I-94 to northbound US-131.

"It is not a traffic lane, it doesn't continue on, it doesn't make northbound US-131 a true three lane freeway there, just in the northbound side, it is one lane that essentially connects two exits," Schrippa explained.

An auxiliary lane provides drivers with extra distance to accelerate, decelerate, or safely weave between lanes rather than forcing them to merge directly into high-speed through-traffic lanes at a single point.

Construction Will Create Summer Headaches

Schrippa warned that the construction will require lane and ramp closures on both US-131 and I-94 throughout the summer months.

"Lane and ramp closures on US-131 and I-94, that's going to cause a headache for folks over the summer," Schrippa said. "But we're going to get in and get it done and get out as quickly as we can."

The project involves widening the westbound I-94 ramp that leads to northbound US-131, which will require closing portions of existing lanes during construction.

Timeline and Phases

The construction began March 2 and is expected to be completed by September 2026. Schrippa noted that the work will proceed in phases, with crews closing ramps or lanes intermittently throughout the project.

"We're going to ask you to bear with us for those couple weeks while we get through it," Schrippa said. "But by the end of the project, by the time school starts again in the fall, we should be done."

Drivers may need to seek alternative routes during certain construction periods, particularly when multiple lanes are closed simultaneously.

Why This Infrastructure Investment Matters

The I-94 and US-131 interchange is one of the busiest transportation hubs in Kalamazoo County, serving thousands of daily commuters and commercial vehicles. The addition of the auxiliary lane is intended to:

  • Reduce congestion during peak traffic hours
  • Improve safety by allowing smoother lane transitions
  • Decrease the likelihood of last-minute merging accidents
  • Enhance overall traffic flow through the interchange

The $13.4 million investment represents a significant commitment to maintaining and improving critical transportation infrastructure in Southwest Michigan.

Impact on Local Commuters

Local residents and commuters who regularly use the I-94 and US-131 interchange will need to plan ahead for the construction disruptions. The MDOT will provide updated traffic information through their website and local news outlets.

Commuters are advised to allow extra travel time during construction periods and to monitor official MDOT sources for real-time updates on lane closures and detours.

Other MDOT Projects in the Region

This project is part of MDOT's broader infrastructure improvement efforts across Michigan. The department is simultaneously working on:

  • Bridge improvements over US-31 in Muskegon County
  • Bridge work over US-131 in Montcalm County
  • Various road resurfacing projects throughout the state

The I-94 and US-131 interchange project represents one of the larger infrastructure investments in Kalamazoo County in recent years.

Contact Information

For more information about the project, including specific lane closure schedules and alternative routes, commuters can contact MDOT directly or visit their website for the latest updates.

Local news stations and municipal officials will also provide regular updates as construction progresses through the summer months.

Sources:

  • https://wwmt.com/news/local/i94-us131-construction-kalamazoo-county-traffic-backups-delays-interchange-lane-widening-traffic-transportation-west-michigan
  • https://wlkm.com/2026/03/highway-project-us-131-at-i-94/