December 10, 2020 -- After a year of analysis and local engagement meetings in the village of Paw Paw, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has selected a preferred alternative for rebuilding the I-94/M-40 interchange.

The existing M-40 bridge over I-94 was built in 1960. 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.

"We held three local advisory team meetings and one public meeting, and in each one of those, we heard people voice their desires for nonmotorized accommodations, safe turning movements, and a more welcoming appearance for the village," MDOT project manager Kyle Rudlaff said. "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 this 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.

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.

MDOT will receive comments on the recommendation prior to completion of the study. You can submit your comments via an online comment form, or mail written comments to:

Monica Monsma MDOT Environmental Services Section P.O. Box 30050 Lansing, MI 48909