Audit recommends changes after large I-94 pileup

Galesburg — Authorities are recommending the relocation of cable barriers and many other changes in the area of a massive pileup early this year on Interstate 94 in southwest Michigan.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reported that the results of a safety audit were released Monday by state and federal officials. It was commissioned by the state after the Jan. 9 wreck that involved nearly 200 vehicles on both sides of the freeway east of Galesburg. An estimated 193 vehicles were involved in a chain-reaction crash that killed one man and injured 22 people on I-94 between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.

The pileup closed the stretch of I-94 for two days.

The report said relocating the cable barrier away from the median-side shoulder should reduce collisions with the barrier while still limiting cross-median crashes. It also should help prevent backups.

The report also calls for more electronic signs, new lighting and freeway courtesy patrols.