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Wightman Project Updates

Red Arrow Highway Union Pier Corridor Improvements Project

Important Update

Union Pier Road at Red Arrow is now open to traffic for right turn movements. The contractor is moving into the next subphase of work today, 9/24, which involves the center portion of the intersection at Union Pier and Red Arrow.

It is important to note that for this next phase of construction, vehicles will be allowed to make right turns only onto Red Arrow. No through or left movement will be allowed. The contractor will be working in the center of the intersection with one lane or traffic on either side.

We anticipate the traffic will remain this way for approximately 2 weeks before traffic switches to Phase 2 (work on the lake side of the roadway and down Town Line Ave).

Thank you for your continued patience and support. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Project Updates

Most recent project updates to be added here including dates and times of upcoming sessions, etc.

Current status: Project construction started Monday August 17, see phase details below.

To be added to a list to receive an email when this site is updated, please email with the subject of Red Arrow Highway-Union Pier.

Please note: this website is specific to the road and streetscape project. For information for the sanitary sewer project being done by GRSD Sewer Authority, please visit this site.

recent construction photos

2020 Construction season-phases

This project will be broken into 2 major phases for the remainder of the 2020 Construction Season. See image below. Also here is a PDF of the image shared below.

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 subphases, and there will be at traffic switch in mid September. Further details will be provided as this date approaches.

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.

Items anticipated to be completed by the end of November 2020

All road work and paving
New curb and gutter
Installation of storm structures

Items anticipated to be completed in the Spring of 2021

Concrete sidewalks and ramps
Non-motorized pathway
Streetscaping items including plants, trees, and furnishings

PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION PRESENTATION MATERIALS

A public information session took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at New Buffalo Township Hall. The following information was presented at the session. Here are the slides presented by the County Engineer that evening. Presentation.pdf

Here are maps shared at the meeting, please note file size is large.

Draft- Full Project Overview.pdf

Draft - Overview Utilities.pdf

Draft- Overview Intersections.pdf

Draft-Streetscape Overview.pdf

Draft-Streetscape Details.pdf

The Public Meeting received nice coverage in Harbor Country News.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Berrien County Road Department has worked closely with New Buffalo Township and Chikaming Township to develop visioning plans for this project. They will continue to work together during design and construction to ensure the project is a success for all involved. Following is a brief project overview.

Project limits

Red Arrow Highway from Community Hall Road to Berrien Street
Union Pier Road/Town Line Ave approximately 350 feet west of intersection

Roadway features

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 stormwater infrastructure in the intersection
Additional parking areas for access to shops and restaurants

Below is a rendering of concepts developed by Antero Group.

PROJECT NEED

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.

business owner information

Business owners will be receiving email correspondence with individual access information by mid-November. To reassure you are on this list, please email with the subject of Red Arrow Highway-Union Pier. Please also include the address and name of your business in the request.

SCHEDULE

30% Plan Completion August 29, 2019

Business owner access meetings September 2019

60% Plan Completion October 11, 2019

Business owner access review November 2019

90% Plan Completion December 6, 2019

Submittal to MDOT January 17, 2020

Final Plan Submission to MDOT March 27, 2020

MDOT Letting Date July 10, 2020

Construction Start Date August 17, 2020

Construction Completion Fall 2021