Kalamazoo Approves Howard Street Road Diet Despite Neighborhood Concerns

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Kalamazoo city commissioners are expected to approve a plan to put Howard Street on a road diet, reducing it from four lanes to two with a center passing lane. The changes will also include improvements to a school crossing near Maple Street Magnet School, although some Vine neighborhood parents and students have complained that the current crossing is unsafe and the proposed changes may be more dangerous.

Why it matters

Road diets are a common traffic-calming measure, but they can be controversial, especially when they impact access to schools. The Vine neighborhood's concerns about student safety highlight the need to balance transportation goals with community needs.

The details

The plan to change Howard Street from four lanes to two with a center passing lane will go forward this year if approved by the city commission. Road engineer Dennis Randolph says new discussions have been held with residents, and more are planned on the final design for the school crossing. If residents agree changes are required, there could be a change-order issued before construction begins.

• The Kalamazoo city commission is expected to vote on the Howard Street road diet plan tonight (March 16, 2026).
• The road diet and school crossing improvements are planned for construction this year (2026).

What’s next

If residents agree changes are required to the school crossing design, there could be a change-order issued before construction begins on the Howard Street road diet.