M-139 culvert replacement and road closure extended in Berrien County

COLOMA, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) project to replace the concrete box culvert for the Big Meadow Drain tributary under M-139is being extended due to weather and soil conditions. The closure now is expected to last through Friday, Oct. 25.

Work to replace the large box culvert under M-139 has taken longer than originally planned. Several heavy rain events and poor soil at this location have increased the time it has taken to excavate under the box culvert, place stone backfill and install the box culvert. There also is a six-week settlement period required to ensure soil consolidation before the new M-139 roadway is built over the new culvert.

County:
Berrien

Highway:
M-139

Closest cities:
St. Joseph and Berrien Springs

Start date:
Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Overall estimated end date:
Friday, Nov. 15, 2024

Traffic restrictions:
M-139 is closed to through-traffic between Scottdale Road and John Beers Road. Local traffic is being detoured on John Beers Road and Scottdale Road. Commercial traffic is being detoured on US-31, Napier Avenue and I-94.

Jobs numbers:
Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 38 jobs.

Safety benefit:
Replacing the old concrete box culvert under M-139 at the end of its service life will increase the waterway opening for Big Meadow Drain tributary for more natural creek flow and less obstruction.