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MDOT Begins $204M I-94 Reconstruction Project
Eastbound lanes between St. Joseph and Benton Harbor to be rebuilt over 3 years
Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:00pm
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The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is preparing to start a major reconstruction project on eastbound I-94 between St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. The $204 million project will rebuild the eastbound lanes and bridges over the next three years, requiring several ramp closures along the way.
Why it matters
This is a critical infrastructure project for Southwest Michigan, as I-94 is a major thoroughfare connecting the region to the rest of the state and beyond. The reconstruction will improve safety and traffic flow, but the extended road closures and detours will impact commuters, businesses, and travelers in the area.
The details
MDOT spokesperson Nick Schirripa said crews will first place temporary pavement markings, then move concrete barrier walls into place next week. By the end of next week or early the following week, traffic will be shifted to the westbound lanes to allow for the eastbound rebuild. Several eastbound ramps will be closed for the duration of the project, including the M-63, M-139, and Pipestone Road ramps, as well as the exit to Napier Avenue. The project will also include rebuilding the eastbound bridge over Pipestone Road and rehabilitation work on the eastbound bridge over the St. Joseph River.
- Work is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
- The project is expected to last over 2 years, with completion targeted for this fall.
The players
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Michigan's transportation infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and roads.
Nick Schirripa
MDOT spokesperson who provided details on the upcoming I-94 reconstruction project.
What they’re saying
“Currently we are placing the temporary pavement markings, and that means that next week we'll start to move the concrete barrier wall into place and we're hoping by the end of next week or maybe Monday, Tuesday of the week after, we'll have the traffic shift completed over to the westbound lanes to start the rebuild of the eastbound lanes.”
— Nick Schirripa, MDOT Spokesperson
“The M-63 ramp to eastbound 94, M-139 ramp to eastbound 94, the Pipestone Road ramp to eastbound 94 — all of those will be closed. Obviously, we won't have an eastbound 94 to connect them to for the rest of the season. And then the eastbound 94 exit to Napier Avenue, exit 30, that will be closed as well.”
— Nick Schirripa, MDOT Spokesperson
What’s next
MDOT will continue preparations over the next week, with the traffic shift to the westbound lanes expected by the end of next week or early the following week.
The takeaway
This major reconstruction project on a critical stretch of I-94 in Southwest Michigan will cause significant disruptions for commuters and travelers over the next 2+ years, but is necessary to improve safety and traffic flow in the long run. Drivers should plan ahead for ramp closures and detours during this time.
