By Bruce Rolfe
It’s only spring, but Road Commission of Kalamazoo County crews are busy preparing for a federally funded project that will begin this fall.
RCKC Managing Director Travis Bartholomew said RCKC will begin work this fall on its Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) project; a federally funded initiative aimed at improving roadway safety and reducing serious injuries and fatalities.
The SS4A program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, supports data-driven strategies to improve safety for all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Over the period of 2022-2026, $5 billion has been made available for local and regional agencies to study, plan, and implement proven safety measures to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
RCKC applied for and was awarded $25 million in the 2024.
The RCKC’s Transportation Safety Action Plan provided an in-depth review of locations and common patterns observed in crash data occurring on RCKC roadways. This study helped inform and bring awareness to areas that RCKC could address to focus funds spent for the highest impact. Key takeaways from the study are that the single vehicle crashes are the most prevalent crash type on our roadways and 50% of crashes with a fatality or serious injury are associated with lane departure.
Bartholomew said as part of early project activities, crews are currently marking trees identified for removal within designated project corridors. The removals are intended to establish a safer roadside clear zone, a widely used safety measure designed to reduce crash severity when vehicles leave the roadway.
A number of trees on East MN Avenue in Charleston Township have been identified to be removed.
Bartholomew said the same paint markings and symbols are also used for tree removals associated with routine maintenance and other preservation-type projects, however an orange or yellow “X” generally signifies a tree identified for removal as part of a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) project.
The RCKC Managing Director adds there may be special considerations where trees located within the road right-of-way are not removed due to unique circumstances, such as a tree positioned behind an existing guardrail or where other mitigating factors reduce the associated safety risk.
Installing rumble strips along the centerline and shoulders of over 130 miles of road, which will help reduce crashes caused by driver inattention are planned. New pavement markings will be added to improve visibility and road safety. In some cases, roads will be repaved, reconstructed, or widened to enhance road conditions, and center turn lanes will be added at several key intersections for safer turning movements.
These improvements are designed to reduce crashes and injuries. The rumble strips alert drivers when they are drifting from their lane or approaching the shoulder. Tree and fixed object removal helps prevent crashes caused when vehicles leave the roadway. The new pavement markings will provide clear guidance for drivers. The addition of center turn lanes will improve traffic flow and reduce rear-end and left-turn crashes at intersections. Re-paving and widening roads will also provide an adequate surface in which to install the rumble strips.
The locations and scope of the project were carefully determined based on data about crash rates, traffic safety, and community needs. The roads selected for improvement are among the highest-priority areas for safety enhancements. Locations identified as part of this project were identified when RCKC prepared its Transportation Safety Action Plan in 2023.
This plan was based upon a review of countywide crash data and public feedback.
There may be temporary lane or shoulder closures and potentially some road closures and detours during construction, depending on the specific location and scope of work. However, RCKC will make every effort to minimize disruptions and keep traffic flowing safely. Real-time updates on project progress, closures, and detours in your area are available on the RCKC website.
Construction on the 5-year project began in 2025. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Many roads will be repaved to ensure a smooth, safe driving surface and a surface that can accept the installation of the rumble strips without causing damage to a worn pavement surface. In areas with significant wear or structural issues, some roads may be reconstructed to improve the foundation and overall quality.
RCKC notes on its website the local road commission is committed to ensuring that the safety of all road users, including cyclists, is considered. Significant input was sought from the bicycle advocacy groups when RCKC established the Non-motorized Master Plan. Since these routes are designated for higher levels of bicycle traffic, shoulder rumble strips will not be implemented on these roadways.
As part of the safety improvements, RCKC said all trees and fixed objects within the right-of-way will be removed to ensure a safer driving environment. This is especially important in areas where trees are too close to the road or where the road curves and vehicles are more likely to depart from the roadway, as they can pose a hazard in the event of a driver losing control. If you have concerns about specific trees near your property, please contact us directly.
The RCKC said the scope of this project does not include replacing or replanting trees.
It’s only spring, but Road Commission of Kalamazoo County crews are busy preparing for a federally funded project that will begin this fall.
RCKC Managing Director Travis Bartholomew said RCKC will begin work this fall on its Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) project; a federally funded initiative aimed at improving roadway safety and reducing serious injuries and fatalities.
The SS4A program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, supports data-driven strategies to improve safety for all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Over the period of 2022-2026, $5 billion has been made available for local and regional agencies to study, plan, and implement proven safety measures to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
RCKC applied for and was awarded $25 million in the 2024.
The RCKC’s Transportation Safety Action Plan provided an in-depth review of locations and common patterns observed in crash data occurring on RCKC roadways. This study helped inform and bring awareness to areas that RCKC could address to focus funds spent for the highest impact. Key takeaways from the study are that the single vehicle crashes are the most prevalent crash type on our roadways and 50% of crashes with a fatality or serious injury are associated with lane departure.
Bartholomew said as part of early project activities, crews are currently marking trees identified for removal within designated project corridors. The removals are intended to establish a safer roadside clear zone, a widely used safety measure designed to reduce crash severity when vehicles leave the roadway.
A number of trees on East MN Avenue in Charleston Township have been identified to be removed.
Bartholomew said the same paint markings and symbols are also used for tree removals associated with routine maintenance and other preservation-type projects, however an orange or yellow “X” generally signifies a tree identified for removal as part of a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) project.
The RCKC Managing Director adds there may be special considerations where trees located within the road right-of-way are not removed due to unique circumstances, such as a tree positioned behind an existing guardrail or where other mitigating factors reduce the associated safety risk.
Installing rumble strips along the centerline and shoulders of over 130 miles of road, which will help reduce crashes caused by driver inattention are planned. New pavement markings will be added to improve visibility and road safety. In some cases, roads will be repaved, reconstructed, or widened to enhance road conditions, and center turn lanes will be added at several key intersections for safer turning movements.
These improvements are designed to reduce crashes and injuries. The rumble strips alert drivers when they are drifting from their lane or approaching the shoulder. Tree and fixed object removal helps prevent crashes caused when vehicles leave the roadway. The new pavement markings will provide clear guidance for drivers. The addition of center turn lanes will improve traffic flow and reduce rear-end and left-turn crashes at intersections. Re-paving and widening roads will also provide an adequate surface in which to install the rumble strips.
The locations and scope of the project were carefully determined based on data about crash rates, traffic safety, and community needs. The roads selected for improvement are among the highest-priority areas for safety enhancements. Locations identified as part of this project were identified when RCKC prepared its Transportation Safety Action Plan in 2023.
This plan was based upon a review of countywide crash data and public feedback.
There may be temporary lane or shoulder closures and potentially some road closures and detours during construction, depending on the specific location and scope of work. However, RCKC will make every effort to minimize disruptions and keep traffic flowing safely. Real-time updates on project progress, closures, and detours in your area are available on the RCKC website.
Construction on the 5-year project began in 2025. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Many roads will be repaved to ensure a smooth, safe driving surface and a surface that can accept the installation of the rumble strips without causing damage to a worn pavement surface. In areas with significant wear or structural issues, some roads may be reconstructed to improve the foundation and overall quality.
RCKC notes on its website the local road commission is committed to ensuring that the safety of all road users, including cyclists, is considered. Significant input was sought from the bicycle advocacy groups when RCKC established the Non-motorized Master Plan. Since these routes are designated for higher levels of bicycle traffic, shoulder rumble strips will not be implemented on these roadways.
As part of the safety improvements, RCKC said all trees and fixed objects within the right-of-way will be removed to ensure a safer driving environment. This is especially important in areas where trees are too close to the road or where the road curves and vehicles are more likely to depart from the roadway, as they can pose a hazard in the event of a driver losing control. If you have concerns about specific trees near your property, please contact us directly.
The RCKC said the scope of this project does not include replacing or replanting trees.
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