Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Anlaan Corp. have completed the expansion of the US-131 interchange with the US-131 Business Route north of Kalamazoo. The project, which began in February and cost $19 million, included new ramps connecting northbound US-131 to eastbound US-131 BR and westbound US-131 BR to southbound US-131.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday to mark the opening of the new ramps. State and community leaders who were involved in planning attended the event.

"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."

The original completion of US-131 BR was in 1964. Funding for this expansion was 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."

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

The expanded interchange is expected to improve access for residents and businesses traveling via US-131.