MDOT plans rebuild of US 131

Michigan Department of Transportation in 2018 is planning a $7 million overhaul of a busy stretch of U.S. 131 in Three Rivers.
But the focus during a two-hour open house Wednesday in Three Rivers was on a roundabout proposed for the south intersection of U.S. 131 and M-60. Funding for the circular obstacle, however, remains an issue and its inclusion in the rest of the U.S. 131 upgrade will depend on whether enough finances are secured.
Mark Dionise, Michigan Department of Transportation’s transportation services group manager, said the so-called boulevard concept would begin at Hoffman Street and conclude just beyond Broadway Street. Further south, MDOT would like to install a roundabout that would likely improve the safety at what MDOT officials consider the most-dangerous intersection in St. Joseph County.
Dionise explained the boulevard concept would include a full rebuild of the 2 1/2-mile stretch, development of a grassy median and a total of 15 Michigan left-turns within the stretch.
The roundabout on its own would cost between $5 million and $6 million, he estimated.