Kalamazoo delays major downtown two‑way conversions to 2026; city outlines construction, water‑main response and business outreach plans

Kalamazoo City staff told the City Commission on March 3 that the downtown Streets for All two‑way conversion projects will be delayed roughly one year, with substantial construction now expected to begin in 2026 and continue through 2028.

The delay stems from outstanding grant administration and contract work with state and federal partners, officials said. The projects — including West Main, Douglas, Kalamazoo Avenue, and later Michigan Avenue and the so‑called “Spaghetti Bowl”/Stadium Drive area — are federally funded under programs the city described as tied to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other grants. Public Services Director James Baker and Deputy CPED Director Christina Anderson briefed commissioners and answered questions about schedules, community engagement and utility work tied to the streets program.

“Grant administration has taken a little bit longer than we anticipated,” Baker said, describing work needed between the city, the Michigan Department of Transportation and federal agencies before the city can put the projects out to bid. He said that for some grants the city is seeking an agreement that would allow Kalamazoo to administer and procure construction locally rather than have MDOT or another state agency administer the contract. Baker warned that bidding before those agreements are complete risks cost overruns or incomplete projects.

Staff outlined a revised multi‑year sequence: the city will start as early as possible in 2026 with West Main and Douglas, then move to Kalamazoo Avenue (covering the…