County Approves Red Arrow Highway Project

roadconstruction33-27
roadconstruction33-27

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved the latest resurfacing project for Red Arrow Highway in Chikaming Township, but not without some discussion. During a meeting this week, Commissioner Ezra Scott suggested tabling the resolution authorizing the state contract for the road to be worked on from near Harbert Road to Sawyer Road. That’s because he had issues with the ongoing road diet Red Arrow Highway is getting.

“I just think it’s an ill-thought out plan to go from four lanes to three lanes, back to four lanes for several miles, then to three lanes for couple of miles, and then more miles of four lanes,” Scott said. “I would just like to see more conversation on this.”

Scott also didn’t feel the proper process had been followed as the project was planned, saying it seemed like the county board wasn’t consulted. Commissioner Jim Curran didn’t see the need to table the work.

“Why are we holding it up? What is the purpose? What are we going to do with the contract? Are we going to question the three lane to four lane [plan]? Are we going to question the design? If that’s the case, it’s going to be held up for a lot longer than a week.”

County Administrator Brian Dissette said delaying the contract approval could jeopardize a state grant covering part of the work. He added it could cause problems for the contractor. The commission approved the project with Scott and Commissioner Don Meeks voting no. The project’s total cost is about $2.6 million with the county’s share being about $1.6 million.