The Michigan Department of Transportation has made a presentation to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners to explain its planned reconstruction of Main Street in downtown St. Joseph in 2027.
MDOT project manager Jonathan Smith told commissioners Thursday planning for the work has been underway for a years as MDOT held several meetings with the public and local leaders to be as transparent as possible. He said one feature of the project is to create safer pedestrian crossings on Main.
“We’re going to eliminate any uncontrolled pedestrian crossings along Main Street that are not at a signal or do not have some sort of a refuge,” Smith said. “That’s where we feel that we can provide the safest crossings for people.”
Smith said concrete island in the middle of the road will be extended to Jones Street when all the work is finished.
Smith said MDOT has decided to do a total closure of Main and set up detours so the bulk of the project can be completed in just one construction season.
“With a full detour, we’d be just starting in fall of 2027. So basically after Labor Day of 2027. And then we would be completing that downtown work by Memorial Day of 2028.”
There will still be some things to finish off after that, but Smith said the goal is to have Main Street back open in time for the summer of 2028.
Smith noted this project will include the replacement of underground infrastructure and streetscaping. A big priority will be to maintain access to all nearby businesses and be in contact with property owners about any water shutoffs.
