If you typically take Highland Avenue to cross over I-94 in Benton Township, the Michigan Department of Transportation wants you to be aware that beginning next Wednesday, April 7th, that bridge will be closing permanently.
As part of the US-31 and I-94 project in Benton Township, Highland Avenue will be permanently closed over I-94 starting April 7th, while access to properties in that vicinity will be maintained between Euclid Avenue and I-94, and between Benton Center Road and I-94. Cul de sacs will be built this year.
Work began last year as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues to make improvements to I-94, US-31, and the I-94 BL in Berrien County, for the eventual linking of US-31 to I-94 in Benton Township.
2020 construction included:
- Reconstruction of the I-94 BL (Main Street) from Urbandale Avenue to Euclid Avenue, and conversion of the four-lane divided highway into three lanes from Urbandale Avenue to Crystal Avenue, and two lanes from Crystal Avenue to I-94.
- Construction of a roundabout at I-94BL and Crystal Avenue.
- Construction of a new Britain Avenue bridge over US-31.
- I-94 crossover construction and shoulder widening in preparation for this year’s construction.
2021 construction tentatively includes:
- Reconstruction of westbound I-94.
- Construction of cul-de-sacs on Empire Avenue on each side of US-31.
- Construction of cul-de-sacs on Highland Avenue on each side of I-94.
- Territorial Road bridge replacement over I-94.
- Benton Center Road bridge construction over US-31 and bridge improvements over westbound I-94.
- Construction of the US-31/I-94 BL interchange.
2022 construction tentatively includes:
- Reconstruction of eastbound I-94.
- Construction of the US-31 segment and the connection at the I-94 BL interchange.
- Benton Center Road bridge improvements over eastbound I-94.
- Benton Center Road bridge construction over US-31.
- Reconstruction of the I-196 interchange.
How Traffic Will Be Affected:
- Construction is taking place in stages to minimize the disruption to motorists and residents.
- On I-94, two lanes will be maintained in each direction on one side of the freeway separated by a temporary concrete barrier.
- Highland Avenue will be closed over I-94, as noted, beginning next week.
- Construction of I-196/US-31 interchange ramps will be staged to maintain access.
- The Territorial Road bridge will be closed with traffic detoured during construction of the bridge.
