The Michigan Department of Transportation has almost completed its plan for the reconstruction of Main Street in St. Joseph in 2027.
The agency plans a full rebuild for the road between Elm Street and the Blossomland Bridge, and it’s been meeting with the public, the city of St. Joseph, and Berrien County for more than a year to prepare. MDOT’s Nick Schirripa tells us that input has been critical as engineers put together a plan, noting this is a once-in-a-generation kind of project.
“This is an opportunity for us not just to go in and replace pavement, but to make this road what the community wants to see,” Schirripa said. “So that’s a big deal for us and we’re excited to do it.”
Schirripa says the response from the public as MDOT sought input has been “amazing” and “incredibly helpful,” noting Berrien County has also provided important insight into the final design.
“And this goes right down to sidewalk locations and where we have crosswalks and where you can and can’t turn left off of Main Street. Really, really detailed, level things. And that’s one of those conversations with the county that ultimately led to a potential change in, where we can and can’t turn left there because they wanted access to the jail from a certain road…and it made a difference in their workflow.”
Schirripa says it would be impossible to please everyone all of the time with a project of this scope, but MDOT wants the road to be what people need.
In addition to a new Main Street, the project will result in two-way traffic on both Court and Ship Street, the installation of wayfinding signs, new lights, seating, and new landscaping, and as well as safer routes for pedestrians.
While the project will create a major disruption of traffic next year, Schirripa says the construction schedule is intended to reduce headaches for drivers and residents as much as possible.