Construction continues on & around I-94 in Berrien Co., with more planned

BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- If the weather isn’t a signifier of summer, construction sure is, and all the work being done on and around U.S 31 and I-94 in Berrien County may feel a bit disorienting.

That connection is 40 years in the making, and in just over a year, you’ll no longer have to exit on Napier Avenue to get on 94.

Right now, traffic is down to two lanes as crews work on the westbound lanes.

“U.S. 31 should meet I-94 right where what folks locally will know as Main Street in Benton Harbor, there will be one dedicated auxiliary lane – like a long exit lane – so if you’re on U.S. 31 heading north, it will be one lane that continues and kicks straight north along I-196,” said Nick Schirripa, Communications Representative for MDOT Southwest Region.

In addition to finally connecting those highways, Empire and Highland Avenues are being converted into cul-de-sacs right now.  

Plus, you may have backups trying to get on I-196 north – near Britain Avenue – which is being rebuilt. 

Speaking of Britain Avenue, as soon as this first projects wraps at the end of 2022, MDOT will be gearing up for another.  

“We build crossovers, we get ready for the big construction, that will start next year, we’re going to rebuild 11 miles of I-94 right from where this one ends – around Britain Avenue – to Stevensville where Red Arrow Highway or I-94 Business Loop is,” said Schirripa.

MDOT will also replace four bridges and improve an additional seven as part of the project.   

With an average, daily traffic of 63,000 drivers on that stretch by Red Arrow Highway and 75,000 in the I-196 – U.S. 31 area, making roads safer and more convenient is the goal, but also strengthening Southwest Michigan as an economic corridor.    

“It certainly plays into any companies decision on where to locate, how they do business, and that helps any local economy,” said Schirripa.

MDOT hasn’t finished the design on that Britain Avenue – Red Arrow Highway project yet and they want your input before they do.

Click here to watch the project’s informational video and find where to send your inpu