Lovers Lane Bridge
12th Street Bridge
Oakland Drive Bridge
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Better traffic flow is the main focus of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s
(MDOT) multi-year widening and reconstruction of I-94 near Kalamazoo. Now in its second phase,
construction is underway on 2.6 miles of I-94 including the I-94/US-131 and I-94/Oakland
Drive interchanges. Eleven bridges are being reconstructed including east-bound and west-bound
I-94 over 12th Street and I-94 under Oakland Drive. One through lane is being added in
each direction and the culvert carrying West Portage Creek under I-94 will be extended
to accommodate the widening and interchange improvements.
During design, local leaders, MDOT and the consultant team worked together to develop
an aesthetic plan that would enhance this project. The first phase, completed in 2006,
restored approximately one mile of highway, and reconstructed and widened Lovers Lane Bridge
over I-94. The bridge features 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 the City of Portage. In addition, concrete pilasters located at the four
corners of each bridge provide a striking accent between the approach and bridge.
Similar aesthetic treatments will be featured on the Oakland Drive Bridge.
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. We also provided the roadway alignment for I-94. Wade Trim was also the
design engineer for five bridges that include 12th Street, Oakland Drive, and
Lovers Lane, as well as the West Portage Creek culvert extension. The total reconstruction
will cover seven miles of I-94 from west of US-131 to Sprinkle Road. This second phase of
construction, from just west of 12th Street to east of the Oakland Drive interchange, has
westbound I-94 reconstruction scheduled for completion in 2007 and eastbound in 2008.
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