The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on April 9 that it will begin a two-year, $24.4 million project to rebuild and realign M-139 in Benton Harbor and Benton Township, starting April 15. The construction will include converting M-139 and Fair Avenue into two-way streets, with Fair Avenue set to be operated by the City of Benton Harbor after completion.
This project is significant for local transportation as it aims to improve traffic flow, upgrade infrastructure, and modernize signals along a key corridor. According to MDOT, the work will also support approximately 206 jobs through direct and indirect employment.
In the first year, crews will focus on rebuilding M-139 north of Pipestone Road until early November before pausing for winter. The following year’s work will cover the section from Pipestone Road northward past the St. Joseph River. Plans include culvert construction, drainage improvements, sidewalk upgrades, signal modernization, municipal utility enhancements, and rebuilding the intersection at M-139/East Empire Avenue as a roundabout.
During construction phases in 2026, Martin Luther King Drive will close from Empire Avenue to I-94 Business Loop with detours posted; later in July it reopens while Fair Avenue closes from Schulz Drive to I-94 BL for additional roadwork. Closure updates are available via Mi Drive ahead of each phase change.
The Michigan Department of Transportation manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways as well as more than 4,800 bridges across Michigan according to its official website. The department employs over 2,800 people statewide across seven regions and maintains various transportation facilities according to its official website. Its mission focuses on connecting people and communities through transportation initiatives according to its official website.
MDOT’s operations span all major state routes—including highways designated as M-, I-, or US—alongside oversight of bridges, rail services, public transit programs such as aviation initiatives and non-motorized trails according to its official website.
