Current Progress

This section is updated periodically to share recent progress and upcoming activities for the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) project.

July 22, 2026 Update

The project team continues advancing preliminary engineering, environmental reviews, and coordination with state and federal agencies. These efforts are necessary to finalize project design details and maintain eligibility for federal funding. Based on additional design review and public input, the project team has revised the approach to roadside tree removal. The updated design reduces the number of trees anticipated for removal while maintaining the safety improvements required by the project. Crews will be updating field markings on trees to reflect the revised design. Property owners affected by tree removal will receive notification letters in advance of any removal activities.

March 10, 2026 Update

The project team continues advancing preliminary engineering and completing required environmental and agency reviews. These efforts are necessary to finalize design details and maintain eligibility for federal funding. We remain on track to complete preliminary design and permitting by Spring 2026. As part of ongoing project development, our forester will be conducting tree surveys along portions of the project corridor. This work involves identifying and documenting trees within the roadway clear zone as part of planned safety improvements. During this process, trees may be marked with paint for evaluation purposes. These markings help the project team assess tree locations, sizes, and potential impacts. Markings do not necessarily indicate immediate removal. Property owners will receive notification letters in advance of any tree removal activities. At that time, residents may indicate if they would like to retain the wood. These efforts support the project’s goal of improving roadside safety and reducing fixed-object crash risks.

October 20, 2025 Update

Survey crews will be working at various project locations over the next month to gather information. This will help with early design work and the permits needed before construction. Please slow down and drive carefully when you see them.

September 19, 2025 Update

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has officially approved the project to move forward. The next step is to begin working with permitting agencies and start preliminary engineering. Our goal is to complete the preliminary design, secure permits, and obtain environmental clearances by spring 2026.