Following a year of analysis, multiple meetings, myriad options to consider and more, the Michigan Department of Transportation has, at long last, selected a preferred alternative for the reconstruction of the interstate interchange at I-94 and M-40 in the Village of Paw Paw, and it will feature dual roundabouts.
MDOT says that the existing M-40 bridge over I-94 was built in 1960, and the project planned for 2025 to rebuild the bridge will be an investment of $50 million. After analyzing traffic data and receiving extensive input from Paw Paw community leaders, business owners and residents, the design chosen features dual roundabouts.
MDOT project manager Kyle Rudlaff says, “We held three local advisory team meetings and one public meeting, and in each one of those, we heard people voice their desires for non-motorized accommodations, safe turning movements, and a more welcoming appearance for the village.” He adds, “There already are three roundabouts in Van Buren County, and most of the local input favored installing them at the I-94/M-40 interchange. The analysis confirmed that interchange type will provide the least travel delay and best safety performance for decades into the future.”
There is a video presentation explaining the study progress that led to the recommendation of the dual two-lane roundabout alternative which can be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVim_obsJI4&feature=youtu.be
Detailed diagrams and explanations of the roundabout option, as well as the other alternatives presented in the study, including a replace-in-kind and diamond interchanges, are available on the study web page at this link: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9621_11058-511369–,00.html
MDOT will receive comments on the recommendation prior to completion of the study. You can submit your comments via an online comment form at this link:
Or, you can mail written comments directly to:
Monica Monsma
MDOT Environmental Services Section
P.O. Box 30050
Lansing, MI 48909
