KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is starting work May 1 to rebuild and repave 13.4 miles of US-131 from the Rocky River in Three Rivers, St. Joseph County, to Shaver Road in Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo County.
Officials say the two-year, $51 million investment will start this year at the Rocky River and go to just north of XY Avenue with work in 2024 to pick up at XY Avenue and continue north to Shaver Road.
Work in 2023 includes repaving US-131, joint repairs, improving drainage, and rebuilding all intersections in the project area as indirect left turns, or “Michigan Lefts.” The existing crossovers at intersections will be removed, and new temporary crossovers will be built for the project.
In 2024, the remainder of the intersections outside of the village of Schoolcraft will be converted to Michigan Lefts as repaving continues north to Shaver Road which will be converted to a Michigan Left for southbound US-131 traffic.
Work within the village in 2024 will include rebuilding the road and sidewalks, curb ramps, and curb and gutter.
A left-turn phase will be added to an upgraded traffic signal at Lyons Street, and new pedestrian crossing signals will be installed at Eliza Street.
MDOT say while traffic will be maintained in each direction throughout the project, motorists should anticipate delays and seek alternative routes.
