The Michigan Department of Transportation says its plans for reconstructing Main Street in St. Joseph in 2027 are being developed with the requests of the community top of mind.
We reported last week the Berrien County Board of Commissioners could ask MDOT not to remove some parking spaces on the street as part of the work, but MDOT’s Nick Schirripa tells us the plan to do so was made with input from the city.
“It was made clear by both parties and to each party that improving streetscaping and walkability and pedestrian friendliness, if you will, was more important to the downtown than those few parking spaces downtown,” Schirripa said.
It was stated at last week’s county commission meeting that 54 spaces would be removed, but Schirripa says the correct number is 34. They’re along Main Street between Elm and Port Streets. The intent is to design that road to be safer for pedestrians.
“There will be improved streetscaping along Main Street, which means we will incorporate wayfinding signs, lights, benches, and landscaping elements that will increase pedestrian safety and walkability of the Main Street corridor. And not only does it improve walkability, it also provides a traffic calming measure.”
The road won’t be as wide so drivers slow down when they’re going through the area.
Schirripa says other requests from the county, like maintaining 24/7 access to the jail, are entirely reasonable and MDOT will do all it can to ensure the 2027 construction is not excessively disruptive.