Red Arrow Highway Union Pier Corridor Improvements-Berrien County

The Red Arrow Highway Union Pier Corridor Improvements project showcases what can be accomplished through collaborative partnerships between municipalities, businesses, residents, and other local stakeholders. It's also a statement on how prioritizing safety and caring for a community can create a vibrant downtown and position it to thrive following a disruptive construction period.

Union Pier, a small town near Lake Michigan, sits along Red Arrow Highway, a four-lane, highly trafficked north/south transportation route.  Working with Berrien County Road Department, New Buffalo Township, and Chikaming Township, a plan was developed to increase safety for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, provide walkable space to access and enjoy the community, and to minimize disruptions to local businesses during construction. 

The 1.3-mile corridor has been reimagined to include new sidewalks, a 10-foot non-motorized path, and roadway reconstruction that converts Red Arrow Highway from Community Hall to Berrien Street into a three-lane road with a dedicated center left turn lane. The intersection of Red Arrow Highway and Union Pier Road will feature streetscape elements including decorative pavement, bike racks, lighting, benches, and trash receptacles. Additionally, an activated pedestrian crossing system will aid walkers, runners, and bicyclists traveling east and west across Red Arrow Highway. 

Working together, New Buffalo and Chikaming Townships have worked together to develop the construction of a new public restroom and trailhead off Town Line Avenue. The 2-single occupancy restrooms and covered trailhead are with landscaping, bike racks, picnic tables, and benches offers users a place to rest while enjoying the local area. 

Despite the overcast skies, an official ribbon-cutting was held May 28 with excited stakeholders, residents, and reporting partners in the crowd. View WNDU's broadcast of the special event or read the feature articles in Harbor Country News and the Ribbon Cutting Coverage.pdf.  Awards for the project are beginning to roll in! Read all about the exciting news on Moody on the Market!

This collaborative project has transformed Red Arrow Highway in Union Pier to the benefit of those who live and work in the area and those searching for adventure, shopping, and delightful food at a fun, vibrant destination. An article in the New Buffalo Times showcased how residents and visitors are enjoying the new amenities in downtown Union Pier including the Union Pier Trail Head.pdf.