19th Street, Cooper Township Road Closure Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2023

Contact: Sarah Phillips, Communications Administrator
Email: sphillips@kalamazoocountyroads.com
Phone: (269) 381-3170 x224

19th Street, Cooper Township Road Closure Update KALAMAZOO, MI- In an effort to keep road users informed of the latest traffic and road maintenance operations by the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County (RCKC), we have provided the following update.

On Sunday, April 2, 2023, the RCKC had to take immediate action to close 19th Street between B Avenue and North County Line, Cooper Township due to the riverbank erosion resulting in an unsafe road condition. The RCKC and Cooper Township have been aware of the issue and have been tracking this issue for years along with road surface conditions. We have diligently monitored and applied short term repairs in order to slow the riverbank erosion and to keep the road open for as long as possible. We have not stayed idle over the years; as a local road we have provided a variety of cost estimates for consideration, met with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) together with Township officials to discuss possible solutions and more long-term fixes. We have explored and received estimates that reveal the solutions and repairs that would stop the erosion are very costly. Together, the RCKC and the Township has been, and will continue to seek possible solutions and options for both repairs and funding.

The decision to close this section of road does not come lightly and is done with safety in mind. The RCKC would like to stress that it is not safe to move, remove barricades, or drive around them for the safety of the public.

We thank you in advance for your patience. To be kept up to date and informed, please consider signing up for RCKC Connect.

RCKC Cooper Township Local Road 5-year Plan: See pages 26, 31 https://www.kalamazoocountyroads.com/userfiles/kcrc/file/Projects/2022%20- %202026%20Local%20Road%20CIP.pdf

Funding Brochure: https://www.kalamazoocountyroads.com/upload/resources/92/Funding%20101%20Brochure.pdf

Please note: This information is subject to change. Projects, road closures and timing can change from day to day, depending upon a number of factors, and traffic delays can develop in a matter of minutes due to weather conditions, emergency situations, etc.

COOPER TOWNSHIP

Road: 19th Street – B Avenue and N. County Line

Current Status: Road closed due to erosion.

Start Date: Sunday, April 2, 2023

End Date: TBD ###