Phase 2

Sanitary Sewer Expansion - Westport Neighborhood

Please contact Public Works with any questions at publicworks@oshtemo.org or 269-216-5244.

Community Meeting Presentation(PDF, 3MB)

News/Updates

6/23/26	Ramblewood Dr will be restored to gravel up to 2552 Ramblewood by the end of the day on 6/23. Residents will have driveway access; however, expect minor delays through the end of the week as Redline prepares for additional paving, tentatively scheduled for 6/25 or 6/26. Paving will include Karabrooke Ct and Ramblewood Dr up to 2552 Ramblewood Dr. Residents at the following addresses—2489, 2475, 2442, 2469, 2457, and 2445 Ramblewood—must park on the south side of Ramblewood beginning the evening of 6/23.
6/18/2026	Sanitary sewer mainline installation will stop near 2552 Ramblewood for this week and Redline will begin restoring access to residents on Ramblewood South of Winddrift. Mainline installation will resume to the South the week of 6/22/2026.
6/15/2026	Construction on Ramblewood between Winddrift Ave and Countrywood Ct will progress slower than previous segments due to the depth of the sanitary main and the road layout. Residents may have extended periods of limited driveway access. Redline will work to restore access as quickly as possible. Redline is planning to install a segment of sanitary sewer in Winddrift Ave from the Ramblewood intersection this week. This will allow the intersection to remain open when construction resumes down Winddrift Ave to the West later this season.
6/12/2026	Construction is continuing South along Ramblewood from Winddrift. Starting Sunday evening 6/14 residents at 2573/2582 Ramblewood will need to park on the street South of their driveways on the East side of the road. Construction will extend to 2535/2538 Ramblewood by the end of the week. Access will be restored to driveways as soon as possible.
6/5/2026	Base paving of Ramblewood from H Ave up to Karabrooke Ct, including Ashwood Dr is now complete. Restoration activities will take place in the coming weeks and final paving later this Summer. Karabrooke Ct access is expected to be restored by end of day 6/5 and residents will be able to utilize Ramblewood to the North to enter/exit via H Ave. Sewer main line work will continue next week on Ramblewood Dr to the Winddrift Ave intersection. Before continuing past Winddrift Ave, the contractor will pause mainline work and shift focus to installing laterals and restoring access to residents between Karabrooke Ct and Winddrift Ave. Residents between Karabrooke Ct and Winddrift Ave may now park on the newly paved section of Ramblewood, or on Winddrift through the weekend.
5/28/26	Ashwood Dr is expected to be reopened on 5/29. More unsuitable soils must be removed than anticipated and that has slowed road building. Ramblewood Dr is expected to be restored up to Karabrooke Ct by end of day 5/29. Work on Karabrooke Ct will begin Monday, 6/1. Residents should park on Winddrift until access is restored. Work is expected to take 3-4 days depending on soil conditions. A new segment of pavement will be removed from Ramblewood starting on 6/2. There will still be access after the pavement is removed. Expect some delays during this activity. Ramblewood and Ashwood Dr are tentatively scheduled for base paving on 6/4. There will be intermittent disruptions to access during this activity.
5/27/2026	There is currently an isolated outage with Metronet fiber internet. There have been issues with the accuracy of the marking for communication lines. Redline is working with the MissDig contractor to resolve the issues and limit further disruptions. Service will be restored as soon as possible.
5/22/2026	Construction activities will be stopping for the week around 3 pm on Friday 5/22 in preparation for the holiday weekend. No work will be performed on Memorial Day. H Ave will be reopened the afternoon of Friday 5/22. Ramblewood Dr North of Ashwood Dr will have limited access restored for residents for the Holiday weekend. Work in the Ashwood Dr cul-de-sac will begin on Tuesday 5/26. Residents should plan to park their vehicles on Ramblewood Dr South of Ashwood Dr the evening of Monday 5/25. Access directly to driveways will be restored as soon as possible.
5/19/26	Redline has begun sanitary sewer install in Ramblewood Dr. Crews expect to reach the intersection of Ashwood Dr by end of day 5/20. Residents on Ramblewood will need to park South of construction while Ramblewood is rebuilt. Limited access from H Ave to driveways will be restored as soon as possible. Residents may have received a wooden stake painted green at their front door. This is to mark the connection point for your home. If you need assistance, please contact Public Works or the onsite inspector from Fleis & Vandenbrink.
5/14/26	Redline Excavating will begin pavement removals on Ramblewood Dr starting at H Ave and working South on Friday, 5/15. Residents will retain access to their driveways during this work. Sanitary sewer installation work is planned to begin on Monday, 5/18. The intersection of H Ave and Ramblewood Dr will be closed during this process and detours will be posted.
5/12/26	Redline Excavating has begun clearing on a Township parcel located at the end of Bluffton Ave. This area will be utilized for construction staging during the phase 2 project.
4/30/26	Informational meetings for Contract D (Westport North) are scheduled for May 9th from 11 am - 1 pm and May 13th from 4 pm - 6 pm. Post card invitations for these meetings are being mailed to each resident. Each meeting will feature a presentation on the construction schedule and impacts. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers after the presentation.
4/27/2026	The Township intends to award Contract D (Westport North) and E (Westport South) at the April 28th Township Board Meeting. Construction on Contract D is planned to begin this year, with Contract E planned for 2027. Invitations to informational meetings for residents in Contract D will be going out this week.
4/13/2026	Phase 2 bids were opened on April 1st. The Township received 1 bid for contract D, which is the North portion of Westport from Wyndham Dr and Torrington Rd North to H Ave. The contractor is Redline Excavating, who also completed Phase 1. The contract will now be conditionally awarded at the April 28th Township Board meeting and public meetings will be scheduled for May, with construction beginning in late May/early June. The Township is working through a competitive re-bidding process for Contract C (Country Club Village) and Contract E (Westport South). Additional information will be available once re-bidding is completed.
3/24/2026	Consumers Energy plans to replace older gas service lines in the Phase 2 neighborhoods of Westport and Country Club Village. This work is separate from the sanitary sewer expansion projects and is expected to be completed beforehand. The Township is coordinating closely with Consumers Energy on these infrastructure upgrades to minimize disruptions for residents.
3/4/2026	Phase 2 projects are going to be advertised for bids starting on March 6th. Bids will be received through March 31st and opened at Township Hall on April 1st. The contracts are scheduled to be awarded at the April 14th Township Board meeting and neighborhood meetings will be scheduled shortly after. Postcards will be sent to all properties in the project areas with details on the neighborhood meetings.

Neighborhoods / Streets

Phase 2 has been updated to Westport North and South. Contract C will now be part of a future phase 3 project.

Map of Westport: Contracts D & E (PDF, 1MB)

Contract D - Westport North

Ramblewood Dr
Windrift Ave
Maple Leaf Ave
Torrington Rd
Bramble Dr
Rose Arbour Ave
Chesapeake Dr
Cutty Sark Dr
Nightingale Ave
Signal Hill Dr
Wyndham Dr
Wild Cherry Ln
Walker Trail
Saybrook Dr
Countrywood Court
Karabrook Court
Ashwood Court
Chippendale Dr
Morningstar Way
Redbud Trail

Contract E - Westport South

Old Log Trail
Wild Cherry Ln
Killington Dr
Twilingate St
Wingate Rd
Thunder Bluff Rd
Litchfield Ln
Breezy Point Ln
Breckenridge Dr
Old Deer Run
Shugarbush Trail
Nantucket Ln
Rudgate Dr
Bunkerhill Dr
Valley Forge Rd
Cadet Ln
Trundel Ln
Brogan Hill
Sanfield Ln
Bluffton Ave

Construction Site Safety

(PDF, 520KB)

Construction Schedule

Construction is planned for Westport North in 2026 and 2027. Westport South will begin in 2027 and finish in 2028.

2026 Construction will begin at Ramblewood Dr and H Ave the week of May 18th.
The contractor will be working from H Ave to the South until they reach the intersection of Ramblewood Dr and Torrington Ave.
Construction will then move to Bramble Dr and H Ave and work South to the intersection of Bramble Dr and Rose Arbour Ave.

Frequently Asked Questions - Construction

This FAQ will be updated throughout the project. If you have a question that is not listed below, please contact Public Works by phone at 269-216-5244 or email - publicworks@oshtemo.org

FAQ: Are mailboxes being relocated?

Answer: Mailboxes may be temporarily relocated during construction but will remain on your property. The contractor will typically replace the mailbox post during reinstallation.
There may be temporary disruptions to mail delivery. USPS has the option to place a hold for mail pickup at the nearest post office.

FAQ: What will happen to my trash and recycling services?

Answer: Continue to place your trash and recycling at the end of your driveway as usual. If your regular provider cannot access your property, the contractor will collect trash. There may be delays in pickup, so please leave containers at the road until they are emptied.

FAQ: How will emergency services respond to my property if I need them?

Answer: Public Works coordinates with EMS daily during the project to ensure access plans are in place for properties directly affected by construction.

FAQ: How is my connection point determined?

Answer: Prior to construction in front of your property, the resident project representative will provide a wooden stake for you to mark the location. The inspector or Public Works can assist with marking the location.

FAQ: How will bus stops be affected by construction?

Answer: Public Works shares the project schedule and timeline with the Kalamazoo Public Schools Transportation Department. KPS will adjust bus stops as needed and will notify parents directly of any changes.

FAQ: Will my yard be restored?

Answer: Yes, the contractor will re-grade disturbed areas, place topsoil, and seed.
Restoration may occur in the following season, depending on when work along your property is completed.

Construction Glossary

Did you see something on a construction site and want to know more? Did you talk to someone or overhear a conversation in the field and want to learn more? Check out some of the common terms used:

	Term	Definition
	Survey Stake	Translates engineering design plans into real-world coordinates and directions, giving crews dimensions, reference points, and elevation guidance. Typically marked with pink ribbons and writing.
	Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC)	Tools and methods used to prevent and capture disturbed soil such as topsoil and silt, protecting storm systems and downstream water quality.
	Silt Sacks	Temporary, reusable filters for storm water inlets that capture rocks, topsoil, silt, and debris.
	Utility Flags/Markings	Colored flags and spray-painted lines marking underground infrastructure to prevent damage during excavation. Common colors: yellow (gas), red (electric), green (sewer), blue (water), orange (communications).
	Milling	Process of removing asphalt by grinding it into small pieces for efficient removal and reuse.
	Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)	Pavement material made of ~95% aggregates and 5% asphalt cement binder. Used as the top driving surface, typically installed in multiple layers.
	Sand Subbase	Bottom road layer providing drainage and foundational support; not suitable for regular vehicle travel.
	Gravel Base	Middle road layer between sand and asphalt providing structural support and drainage; can serve as a temporary driving surface.
	Riser (Cleanout)	Vertical pipe providing access to underground sewer lines for maintenance. Temporarily extends above ground before being cut down below grade.
	Wye	A pipe fitting used to branch or connect lines securely.
	Right-of-Way	Land reserved for public roads and utilities, typically about 66 feet wide in residential plats.
	Unsuitable Soils	Soils lacking strength, stability, or drainage to support infrastructure, often requiring testing before reuse.
	Roller	Heavy equipment used to compact soil, gravel, or asphalt by reducing air pockets and creating a smooth, durable surface.
	Trench Box	Steel protective structure used in excavations to prevent trench collapse and protect workers.
	Excavation	The controlled digging or removal of earth for installing or repairing underground infrastructure.
	Resident Project Representative (RPR)	On-site professional representing the owner, ensuring construction follows plans and specifications (does not direct construction methods).
	Compaction	Process of compressing materials to increase density and stability.
	Manhole (Structures)	Access point large enough for workers to enter underground systems for inspection and maintenance.
	Catch Basin / Inlet	Structure that collects surface runoff and directs it into the storm sewer system.
	Illegal Tap	An unauthorized connection to a utility line, such as improper sump pump discharge into storm sewers.
	Restoration	Repair or replacement of disturbed areas including grading, topsoil, seeding, and protective coverings.

Connection Process

(PDF, 203KB)

There are two main steps each property owner must take to get connected to sanitary sewer once they have received the notice to connect.

Pay Public Connection Fee: The total fee is $7,500 per residential property and is due before your contractor begins the physical connection. This fee can be financed with the Township through an installment payment agreement. More information on this agreement can be found in the resources section.
Hire Contractor for Private Connection: Be sure top get multiple quotes as prices and methods may vary. The township recommends getting multiple quotes for your connection. A few common connection methods are directional boring, open trenching, and rerouting interior plumbing. Costs are typically between $5,000 and $7,000. Financial help is available through USDA programs offering grants and low-interest loans, as well as township hardship financing and deferment options. Additional information on these options can be found in the resources section.

Resources

Public Connection Fees can be financed through an installment payment agreement. There is a $500 down payment required and the remaining balance is financed over a 20- or 40-year term. For more information on installment payment agreements please contact Public Works or complete the form below to request an agreement for your property.

Installment Payment Agreement Request

For details and information on the assistance programs available for the Private Connection Fees please visit-

United States Department of Agriculture Home Improvement Programs

Once connected to sanitary sewer, the existing septic system will need to be properly abandoned.

(PDF, 385KB)

FAQ: What will this project cost me?

Answer: Connection costs have several components.

Public Connection Fee: $7,500 from the sewer main in the road to the right-of-way/property line

Benefit Fee: $2,000 for a single-family home (1 benefit unit) *commercial properties will have more benefit units.
Parcel Fee: $5,500 per parcel (same amount for all parcels, regardless of size or use).

Private Connection Fee: $5,000 to $7,000 from the right-of-way/property line to where the sewer exits the home.

Contact local excavating contractors for a quote.
Costs vary based on:

Distance from the home to the road.
Patios, decks, pools, fences, sheds, or other obstacles.
Tree removal (ask your contractor if trees can be avoided).
Location of existing interior plumbing.

FAQ: What are my payment options for the public connection fee?

Answer: You may pay the connection fee in full or enter a 40-year Installment Payment Agreement (IPA).

A $500 down payment is required.
The remaining $7,000 is financed at 3.375% interest.
Annual installments are paid with your winter tax bill.
There is no penalty for early payoff.

FAQ: When do I have to connect?

Answer: You will receive a notice once construction in front of your home is complete, including paving and testing. From the date on that notice, you will have two years to connect.

FAQ: How do I get connected?

Answer: Each property owner is responsible for hiring a contractor to connect the home to the new sanitary sewer. The Township website includes a list of contractors familiar with this work.

FAQ: Can I finance the private connection costs?

Answer: Most contractors do not offer financing, however:

Assistance programs may be available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The Township offers a Hardship Assistance Program.

Contractor Information

Redline Excavating is a Michigan based contractor from Holland, MI.

The Consulting engineer is Fleis & Vandenbrink, an employee owned company.

(PDF, 147KB)List of contractors for the private connection(PDF, 189KB)