Benton Harbor Advances Infrastructure Project as MDOT Prepares M-139 Reconstruction

City to coordinate with state on street and underground improvements as part of MDOT's highway project.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Benton Harbor's Economic Development and Parks and Recreation Committee has approved an agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to coordinate infrastructure improvements as part of MDOT's upcoming reconstruction of M-139 north of Napier Avenue. The agreement will allow the city to make water, sewer, and street upgrades in conjunction with MDOT's highway project, at a cost of $229,000 to the city.

Why it matters

The coordinated infrastructure project will allow the city to make necessary upgrades to its water, sewer, and street systems in a cost-effective manner, leveraging MDOT's larger highway reconstruction effort. This will benefit the east side of Benton Harbor by improving transportation and utilities.

The details

Under the agreement, MDOT will rebuild M-139 from I-94 to I-94BL and reconfigure traffic so both M-139 and Fair Avenue carry two-way traffic. Fair Avenue will be reconstructed with one lane in each direction and bike lanes, then turned over to the city for long-term operations and maintenance. The city's $229,000 contribution will cover water system improvements, sanitary sewer work, and resurfacing of Fair Avenue.

  • MDOT plans to begin reconstruction of M-139 north of Napier Avenue this spring.
  • The city's infrastructure work is expected to be billed to the city in the fall.

The players

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

The state transportation agency responsible for the reconstruction of M-139.

City of Benton Harbor

The local municipality coordinating with MDOT to integrate city infrastructure improvements with the highway project.

Alex Marquardt

Representative from Abonmarche, the engineering firm advising the city on the project.

Alex Little

Benton Harbor city manager.

Edward Isom

Benton Harbor city commissioner.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Part A being the water maintenance improvements. So they list the requirements of the Part A, 100% participation, and they listed that cost at $54,000. Part B was the 100% city participation for the sanitary sewer work and the resurfacing of the section on Fair Avenue between Schultz Drive and Empire.”

— Alex Marquardt, Representative, Abonmarche (wsjm.com)

“This is a major project. I think it's a benefit to city greatly. So transportation and turning into a two-way roundabout to city, I think, a benefit highly for this. New sewer.”

— Edward Isom, City Commissioner (wsjm.com)

What’s next

The agreement will next go before the full Benton Harbor City Commission for approval in the near future.

The takeaway

By coordinating its infrastructure upgrades with MDOT's highway reconstruction project, the city of Benton Harbor is able to make necessary water, sewer, and street improvements in a cost-effective manner that will benefit the east side of the city.