A major focus of the Berrien County Road Department for about five years running has been the rebuilding of Red Arrow Highway from Bridgman to New Buffalo, and that work has been undertaken in various stages. Travelers to the area know that the portion between Bridgman and Sawyer is now complete, and further south there has been considerable construction in the Galien River Sanitary District as new lines are being placed well below the surface.
Next week, another major segment of that project will be marked by a groundbreaking to launch it when the Berrien County Road Department marks the beginning of the Red Arrow Highway & Union Pier Intersection Improvement project.
The ceremony marking the occasion on Thursday afternoon, August 27th at 2pm is an invitation only event, and all attendees have been required to RSVP.
The project is being made possible by The Pokagon Fund, Chikaming Township, New Buffalo Township, the Berrien County Road Department, and USDA Rural Development funding. The project details were rolled out in a February public meeting and here’s what you can expect according to the engineering team at Wightman:
Phase 1 (August 17 – early October)
- Construction along the east side (existing northbound) lanes of Red Arrow Highway and the intersection at Union Pier Road
- One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction on Red Arrow Highway in the existing southbound lanes (please note that this matches the current traffic patterns established by the sanitary sewer project in this corridor)
- Union Pier Road will be restricted to one-lane for a period of time during this phase while the intersection is reconstructed
- This phase has two sub-phases, and there will be a traffic switch in mid-September.
Phase 2 (Early October – Mid November)
- Construction along the west side of Red Arrow Hwy and on Town Line Avenue
- One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction on Red Arrow Highway in the newly constructed lanes along the east side.
- There will be traffic restrictions on Town Line Avenue
This schedule has been determined for this construction year only. Work is anticipated in the spring of 2021, and a schedule will be provided for that work at a later time.
The following items are anticipated to be completed by the end of November 2020:
- All road work and paving
- New curb and gutter
- Installation of storm structures
These items are anticipated to be completed in the Spring of 2021
- Concrete sidewalks and ramps
- Non-motorized pathway
- Streetscaping items including plants, trees, and furnishings
Wightman’s report says, “The primary need to be addressed by this project is improving safety along this section of the Red Arrow Highway corridor for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. With many popular restaurants, cafes, and shops along the corridor, the project will provide a safe, walkable space to access and enjoy the vibrant local community. The corridor has been reimagined to include sidewalk, a non-motorized path, and various other streetscape elements at the intersection of Red Arrow Highway and Union Pier Road. In addition, Red Arrow Highway from Community Hall Road to Berrien Street will be converted from a four lane to a three lane section with a dedicated center left turn lane.”
The Berrien County Road Department has worked closely with New Buffalo Township and Chikaming Township to develop visioning plans for the project, and they will continue to work together during design and construction to ensure the project is a success for everyone involved.
These are the project limits:
- Red Arrow Highway from Community Hall Road to Berrien Street
- Union Pier Road/Town Line Ave approximately 350 feet west of intersection
These are roadway features of the project:
- Reconstruction and streetscaping at the intersection with Union Pier Rd/Townline Rd
- Mill and Resurface from Community Hall Road to Union Pier Self Storage and from Goodwin to Berrien Street
- A three lane section, including a dedicated center left turn lane for business access
Pedestrian features
- Sidewalk for pedestrian access at and around the intersection of Red Arrow Hwy and Union Pier Rd
- An activated pedestrian crossing system for East-West crossing of Red Arrow Hwy
- A 10 foot wide non-motorized path extending from Community Hall Road to Berrien Street
Additional features
- A new public restroom facility
- Improved storm water infrastructure in the intersection
- Additional parking areas for access to shops and restaurants
Next week’s groundbreaking will further advance the 5-year plan for Red Arrow Highway corridor improvements.
