An access drive to the Orchards Mall that was closed down by the Berrien County Road Department will likely stay closed unless the department reaches a deal with an adjacent property owner requesting it be reopened.

Berrien County Administrator Brian Dissette tells us the northern access drive to the mall property off of Pipestone was closed by the department when it took out the traffic signal that used to be there.

“Because the signal analysis showed that there was just not enough in-out traffic to warrant having the signal, it began and it was removed due to lack of usage, but also to benefit the overall county not having to maintain the cost of the signal,” Dissette said.

Dissette says the owner of the former Texas Roadhouse reached out to the road department about reopening that access drive to Mall Drive so some improvements could be made. However, Dissette says for that to happen, there’d have to be some public-private collaboration.

“The department said that they’re happy to work with them, but he will have to submit engineering plans on behalf of the Mall Drive owners for ingress-egress before they’re willing to begin any type of review.”

Dissette explained the county’s position in a letter to James Paul & Associates dated April 29. He says there has so far been no response. The county administration committee has been briefed on the matter because it oversees the road department.

Dissette says the reason that access drive can’t be reopened is related to the sight distance deficiency for vehicles attempting to exit the mall and turn northbound onto Pipestone Avenue. The sharp curve in the road to the north severely limits visibility, and therefore, a traffic signal would be required there. But since the signal is gone, the drive can’t be reopened.

Meanwhile, the former Texas Corral does have one other access drive for cars to get in and out.