As plans continue to progress for the eventual connection of US-31 and I-94 in Benton Township, an essential public meeting is slated for mid-month as the Michigan Department of Transportation discussions the future cul-de-sac arrangements for Empire Avenue on either side of the future connection as opposed to building a bridge at that juncture.
Residents, business owners and anyone else interested in seeing what MDOT has planned and discussing how it will all shake out are encouraged to be on hand for the meeting at the Benton Township Hall on Wednesday, January 15th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm to have a voice.
The Township Hall is located at 1725 Territorial Road in Benton Harbor.
Construction is planned to start next year (in 2021) to complete the US-31 connection to I-94 and reconstruct the I-94 interchange at I-94 Business Loop Exit 33. The multi-year project also includes the construction of several new bridges, however MDOT is proposing to — instead of building an Empire Avenue bridge over US-31 — make it a cul-de-sac on either side of the new highway.
In order to accommodate the change in traffic patterns, MDOT is planning to resurface the following routes:
- Britain Avenue from Benton Center Road to Hillandale Road
- Hillandale Road from Britain Avenue to Empire Avenue
- Benton Center Road from Empire Avenue to Britain Avenue
The public is invited to hear the details of the proposal and share thoughts and ideas.
Accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking ability. Large print materials, auxiliary aids or the services of interpreters, signers, or readers are available upon request, by calling 517-335-4381 to request. You must do so at least seven days before the meeting date.
