M-139 in Berrien Springs will be under construction next week.
Michigan Department of Transportation spokesman Nick Schirripa tells us that work will begin on Monday, April 14, to repave 3.5 miles of M-139, stretching from Deans Hill Road to Hinchman Road.
“Just kind of a refresh, if you will,” Schirripa says. “Get a new pavement service down, help out our pedestrians, make it a little safer for them, especially at that key location. We want to make it as safe as possible.”
The $2.7 million investment will involve asphalt repaving, the installation of a new pedestrian sidewalk west of Kephart Lank near Berrien Springs Middle School, and upgrades to sidewalk ramps and pavement markings.
Schirripa mentioned that MDOT has already communicated with the school and will continue to ensure access is maintained as much as possible for both pedestrians and commuters.
“That’s something everyone should be aware of, not just pedestrians but motorists, moving to a work zone,” Schirripa says. “We’ll do the best we can maintain access as we understand it’s important, certainly to get to school. Maintaining access is a priority for us.”
During the construction, one lane will remain open in each direction, with lane closures and traffic regulators in place. The project is estimated to be completed by early August, depending on the weather and the contractor’s progress.
