I-94 Ground Breaking
Lovers Lane bridge over I-94
Concrete pilasters adorn Lovers Lane bridge
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On September 5, 2006, state and local leaders from the Kalamazoo/Portage area, along
with MDOT officials and engineering consultants gathered to kick off the second phase
of a multi-year reconstruction project for seven miles of I-94 from west of US-131 to
Sprinkle Road. The first phase is nearing completion and includes reconstruction and
widening of Lovers Lane bridge over I-94. The second phase is 2.5 miles and includes
reconstruction of the I-94/US-131 interchange, the I-94/Oakland Drive interchange,
and the I-94 bridges over 12th Street. I-94 will also be reconstructed with the
addition of one through lane in each direction.
Wade Trim played a large part in the design of this project. We provided surveying
services for the entire seven-mile corridor using both aerial photogrammetry as
well as conventional techniques. Wade Trim was also the design engineer for five
bridges and a major box culvert extension. In this second phase three of the bridges,
east-bound and west-bound I-94 over 12th Street and I-94 under Oakland Drive, will
be completely reconstructed. The culvert carrying West Portage Creek under I-94 will
be extended to accommodate the freeway widening.
Aesthetics are a major focus of this reconstruction. During design, local leaders,
MDOT and the consultant team worked together to develop an aesthetic plan that would
enhance this project. The Oakland Drive and Lovers Lane bridges feature simulated stone
masonry on the abutment return walls, textured concrete surfaces and a colored surface
coating. The simulated stone masonry is similar in size and shape to the masonry used at
an adjacent high school near Lovers Lane. In addition, concrete pilasters located at the
four corners of each bridge provide a striking accent between the approach and bridge.
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