Michigan Grants Fund Pedestrian Safety Projects in Southwest

Van Buren and Berrien Counties receive over $1 million in state funding for new trails and pathways.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:00am

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The Michigan Department of Transportation has awarded two major grants totaling $6 million to support pedestrian safety projects in Southwest Michigan. A $351,000 grant will go towards the Blue Star Trail separated pathway project in South Haven, while a $620,000 grant will fund the South Roosevelt Road shared-use path in Lincoln Township.

Why it matters

These grants represent significant investments in improving pedestrian infrastructure and connectivity in the region. The projects aim to enhance safety, promote active transportation, and support local tourism and recreation.

The details

The Blue Star Trail project will create a half-mile separated pathway along Blue Star Highway, connecting the Kal-Haven Trail to Baseline Road in South Haven Township. The South Roosevelt Road project will construct a 10-foot-wide shared-use path from Hidden Pines Road to Marquette Woods Road in Lincoln Township. Both projects have faced challenges, including higher-than-expected construction costs, but the state grants will help move them forward.

  • The grants were announced by the Michigan Department of Transportation on March 16, 2026.
  • The Blue Star Trail project and South Roosevelt Road project are expected to begin construction in the coming months.

The players

Van Buren County Road Commission

The agency that applied for the grant on behalf of the participating organizations for the Blue Star Trail project.

Berrien County Road Department

The agency that received the grant for the South Roosevelt Road shared-use path project in Lincoln Township.

Friends of Blue Star

A group that has raised significant private donations to support the Blue Star Trail project.

Bret Witkowski

The managing director of the Van Buren County Road Commission.

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What they’re saying

“I think what really sets us apart from others is the matching funds are all common from private donations. It's a group — Friends of Blue Star — and they have raised a lot of money so far and I believe them and the convention center are coming together to do their portion of that grant to make this happen.”

— Bret Witkowski, Managing Director, Van Buren County Road Commission

What’s next

With the state grants secured, the Blue Star Trail and South Roosevelt Road projects are expected to begin construction in the coming months, pending any remaining approvals or funding needs.

The takeaway

These transportation infrastructure investments in Southwest Michigan demonstrate the state's commitment to improving pedestrian safety and connectivity, while also supporting local tourism and recreation through enhanced trail and pathway networks.