Overhaul Of Capital Ave. NE In Battle Creek Starts May 7

A Michigan Department of Transportation plan to overhaul a portion of M-66 in the City of Battle Creek will be coming to fruition this summer, and work will be starting soon.

MDOT says that construction will begin May 7 on M-66, also known as Capital Ave. NE, between Division St. and Frey Dr. The 2.5 mile stretch will be transformed from a four-lane roadway, to a three lane road with a center left turn lane and space for bicycle lanes.

The $1.5 million project is supposed to make the road safer, by providing a smoother ride for motorists, and by modifying the curve near Maple Grove Avenue. MDOT says the sidewalks and ramps will be improved for pedestrians as well.

While the construction takes place, Capital Ave. will be down to a single lane and open via flagging. When the work reaches the Capital Ave/Division St. intersection, "traffic will be detoured on Capital Avenue, Van Buren Street and Division Street".

The Battle Creek City Commission expressed support for the plan at their August 15 meeting, and a public hearing was held on the plan in May 2017. When 95.3 WBCK first reported on the plan in August 2017, virtually all of the response on our Facebook page was negative, with some expressing concern regarding the ease with which the change will be made.