Major Road Work Underway at Busy Highway Intersection

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. — Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) contractors began a $13.4 million road improvement project at the I-94 and US-131 interchange in Kalamazoo County on March 2, 2026, setting drivers up for significant traffic disruptions throughout the summer construction season.

The project, executed by contractor Milbocker & Sons, will transform the busy highway interchange and is expected to run through September 2026.

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

Adding Auxiliary Lane to Ease Congestion

The centerpiece of the project involves adding a new auxiliary lane to get drivers onto northbound US-131 between westbound I-94 and Stadium Drive. An auxiliary lane connects an entrance ramp to the next exit ramp, providing drivers with extra distance to accelerate, decelerate, or weave safely rather than forcing them to merge directly into high-speed through-traffic lanes.

"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," Schirripa explained.

According to MDOT data, many drivers using the westbound I-94 to northbound US-131 interchange are simply making a jump from I-94 to Stadium Drive. The additional lane on the ramp and on US-131 will provide more "storage" to drivers on the route, which is often backed up during rush hour.

Ramp Widening and Construction Closures

To accommodate the new auxiliary lane, MDOT will also be widening the westbound I-94 ramp to northbound US-131. The construction work will require periodic closures of ramps and lanes throughout the project timeline.

"We're going to ask you to bear with us for those couple weeks while we get through it," Schirripa said. "But by the end of September, we'll have a better interchange for everyone."

At least one lane will remain open throughout the course of the project, per MDOT documents, though traffic will shift regularly to accommodate road work. Closures are expected at various times through mid-September.

Project Timeline and Impact

The $13.4 million project is expected to be completed in September 2026. Construction crews have been working on the interchange since early March, with the project officially set to conclude by the end of the summer driving season.

The project represents a significant investment in improving traffic flow at one of the busiest highway intersections in Kalamazoo County. The I-94 and US-131 interchange handles thousands of vehicles daily and serves as a critical connection between major routes throughout Southwest Michigan.

What Commuters Can Expect

Residents and commuters in the Kalamazoo area should anticipate:

  • Periodic lane closures on US-131 and I-94
  • Ramp closures as crews work on widening and modifications
  • Traffic shifts throughout the construction period
  • Potential delays during peak travel times

Schirripa emphasized that while the construction will cause temporary inconvenience, the improvements will benefit drivers long-term by reducing congestion and improving safety at the interchange.

The project comes as Kalamazoo County continues to invest heavily in infrastructure improvements. Other major road projects planned for the area in 2026 include:

  • Downtown Kalamazoo two-way conversion beginning in June
  • Burdick Street reconstruction in two phases
  • US-131 noise wall construction along southbound lanes
  • KL Avenue bridge project completion
  • Lake Center corridor redesign in Portage
  • West Center Avenue reconstruction in Portage
  • Comstock Avenue resurfacing

"We learned a lot in 2024 with the Westnedge job," said City of Kalamazoo Traffic Engineer Dennis Randolph. "We're applying those lessons to ensure we minimize impact while making necessary improvements."

Construction Updates

The project schedule will be monitored regularly, with MDOT providing updates on construction progress and traffic impacts. Commuters are encouraged to check local traffic reports and MDOT's Mi Drive website for real-time construction updates and alternative routing information.

By September 2026, the improved interchange should provide smoother traffic flow and reduced congestion for drivers using this critical Southwest Michigan transportation corridor.