Portage, MI – Drivers traveling through central Portage should expect delays this week as lane closures take effect along a busy stretch of West Centre Avenue during daytime hours.
According to the Portage Department of Public Safety – Police & Fire, the inside eastbound lane and the center turn lane on West Centre Avenue are scheduled to close from Creekside Drive to Shaver Road beginning Tuesday, January 5, through Friday, January 9. The closures will be in place daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather and materials permitting.
The lane restrictions are part of utility location work being completed by Kaltz Excavating in preparation for a Consumers Energy gas main replacement project planned to begin later this month. Officials say the work is necessary to safely identify underground utilities before larger construction efforts move forward.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes during the closure periods, as traffic slowdowns are expected—especially during late morning and afternoon hours. West Centre Avenue is a key east-west corridor connecting residential neighborhoods with commercial areas and access points near Shaver Road and surrounding Kalamazoo County routes.
Drivers traveling through the area should also remain alert for construction crews, equipment entering the roadway, and changing traffic patterns throughout the week.
Residents with questions or concerns about the project or traffic impacts can contact the Portage Department of Transportation & Utilities at (269) 329-4422. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Have you experienced delays along West Centre Avenue this week? How much extra time did it add to your drive?
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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