The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on April 9 that a two-year, $24.4 million project to rebuild and realign M-139 in Benton Harbor and Benton Township will start on April 15. The work will convert M-139 and Fair Avenue into two-way streets, with Fair Avenue set to be operated by the City of Benton Harbor after completion.
This major roadwork is expected to affect traffic patterns for the next two years and aims to improve local transportation infrastructure, safety, and municipal utility systems.
According to MDOT, construction this year will focus north of Pipestone Road through early November before pausing for winter. In 2027, crews will continue from Pipestone Road northward past the St. Joseph River. The project includes culvert construction, drainage improvements, sidewalk upgrades, signal modernization, municipal utilities enhancements, and reconstruction of the M-139/East Empire Avenue intersection as a roundabout.
During construction phases this year, Martin Luther King Drive will close from Empire Avenue to I-94 Business Loop with detours posted; it is scheduled to reopen in July when Fair Avenue closes between Schulz Drive and I-94 BL for further work. Closure details and updates can be found on Mi Drive ahead of each phase change.
Based on economic modeling cited by MDOT in its announcement, the investment is projected to support about 206 jobs directly or indirectly over its duration.
The Michigan Department of Transportation manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways along with more than 4,800 bridges statewide according to the official website (https://www.michigan.gov/mdot). MDOT also oversees non-motorized trails spanning over 2,700 miles as well as railroad tracks and airports across Michigan according to the same source (https://www.michigan.gov/mdot). With more than 2,800 employees operating seven regions and numerous facilities statewide according to its official site (https://www.michigan.gov/mdot), MDOT’s mission focuses on serving people and communities through transportation efforts (https://www.michigan.gov/mdot).
Leadership at MDOT includes a director along with key executives such as chief administrative officer and chief operations officer according to information available online (https://www.michigan.gov/mdot). The department maintains not only highways but also bridges while overseeing rail services, public transit programs including aviation initiatives as reported by its official website (https://www.michigan.gov/mdot).
Looking ahead through this multi-phase project timeline into next year’s work schedule suggests continued impacts for drivers but also potential long-term benefits once completed.
