The City of Dowagiac works hard every day to make our town better for everyone. We fix roads, improve parks, and build new places for our community to enjoy. These projects help Dowagiac grow and stay strong for years to come.

We know construction can make things harder for a while. Roads might close. You might hear loud trucks and equipment. We want to tell you what's happening so you can plan your day and get where you need to go.

This page shows you new and ongoing work we're doing around town. We update it often with new information. We want to hear from you too. If you have constructive feedback or questions, please call us at 269.782.8200 or e-mail dpwdirector@dowagiac.org.

South Front Street Streetscape, Phase I

What we're doing: This is a major project that will extend the look, feel, and infrastructure of Downtown Dowagiac two blocks south. The project will connect the heart of downtown to the Dowagiac Creek. It includes new asphalt and curb on South Front Street from Park Place to roughly 400 feet south of the Dowagiac Creek Bridge. New sidewalks, curb ramps, on-street parking, lighting, and streetscape elements will match Downtown Dowagiac's existing look. Storm sewer and water main will be upgraded, and storm sewer outfalls will be shifted away from the Dowagiac Creek Bridge to better protect the creek. Plans for an upcoming second phase include a full reconstruction of Chestnut Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Front Street, and burial of overhead electric lines.

Where: South Front Street from Park Place south to just north of Pokagon Street; the High Street intersection at South Front Street; and Chestnut Street east of Pennsylvania Avenue.

When: Construction began Monday, May 4, 2026. Through traffic on South Front Street is tentatively closed through August.

How it helps: This project is the first phase of a longer-term vision to transform the corridor into a seamless extension of downtown, eventually connecting all the way to North Front Street. Beyond the visual extension of the downtown streetscape, the project upgrades critical underground infrastructure: water main, storm sewer, and eventually, buried electric service. Storm sewer outfalls will be shifted away from the Dowagiac Creek Bridge to better protect the creek.

What to expect: South Front Street will be closed to through traffic from Park Place south to just north of Pokagon Street, with closures also at the High Street intersection and on Chestnut Street east of Pennsylvania Avenue. A signed detour is in place:

• Southbound traffic on South Front Street: take Division Street or Main Street to S. Lowe Street, then south to Pokagon Street.
• Northbound traffic: take Pokagon Street to S. Lowe Street, then north to Main Street or Division Street.

Local access to homes and businesses in the project area will be maintained throughout construction. The contractor will coordinate directly with property owners, and any work that will block driveway access or directly affect a business or home will be coordinated at least one week in advance. Steve's Run is still on for July 29; the schedule was built around it.

Current status: Construction is underway as of Monday, May 4, 2026. Northern Construction Services Corp. is the contractor. The project is being managed by the City of Dowagiac Department of Public Works in partnership with engineering firm Jones, Petrie, Rafinski.

How we're paying for it: This project is supported in part by a $668,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP 2.0) program, along with a local match from the City. The City worked with Market One to secure the grant. The MEDC's RAP 2.0 program supports community projects that activate placemaking, public spaces, and downtown revitalization across Michigan.

Contact: For questions about this project, call the City of Dowagiac at 269.782.8200, e-mail dpwdirector@dowagiac.org.

Lead Service Line Replacements

What we're doing: Replacing approximately 200 lead service lines going to Dowagiac homes. This is being done at no cost to homeowners through a grant program.

Where: In the areas noted on the interactive map here.

When: The project kicked off in October 2025, and we're aiming to finish it in 2026.

How it helps: There is no lead in the City of Dowagiac's water supply. However, the EPA estimates that more than 9 million service lines in the US contain lead, which was effectively banned in plumbing materials in 1986. Some of those are in our community. The City has pursued and received grant funding from the State of Michigan to replace approximately 200 lead service lines.

What to expect: Those with homes on the list for this round of replacements (map here) can expect crews to need to access the water line where it enters your home. That's likely in a basement or crawlspace. Water service will be temporarily disrupted while the new water line is connected to your home. You'll receive information on flushing your plumbing system after the connection is made.

The crews' preferred method will be "trenchless" installations. By excavating two or three small areas per home, crews can install the new lines below the ground surface, minimizing disturbances to lawns and landscaping. Restoration of disturbed services is included in the project.

Current status: Work is underway. You can find detailed updates on progress throughout our community by clicking here.

How we're paying for it: This project is being completed using the State of Michigan's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), a low-interest financing program that supports essential drinking water infrastructure projects. Portions of the low-interest, long-term loan may also qualify for principal forgiveness by turning a portion of the loan into a grant. The DWSRF allows the City to complete essential water system improvements efficiently, and that will keep our water system reliable and strong for many years to come.

Contact: For questions about this project, call the City of Dowagiac at 269.782.8200, e-mail dpsdirector@dowagiac.org, or call Mr. Ernie Sarkipato, P.E. with engineering firm Prein & Newhof, at 616.364.8491.

New Dowagiac Water Treatment Plant

What we're doing: Replacing Dowagiac’s existing water treatment plant (WTP).

Where: New York Avenue, south of Chestnut, as seen on the interactive map here.

When: Work is well underway as of May 1, 2026. The last few weeks have seen great progress on both the Water Treatment Plant building, and the concrete Aeration Detention Tanks. The walls of the concrete tanks were poured last week, and the masons have been working on the exterior and interior block for the WTP building.

The anticipated completion date is April 2027.

How it helps: The current WTP was constructed in 1974 — more than 50 years ago. Building a new water treatment plant is necessary to keep our infrastructure strong for decades to come.

What to expect: Access will be maintained to driveways on New York Ave. If it is occasionally necessary for construction to block access, crews will make every attempt to reopen the driveway(s) by the end of the day.

Current status: Work is underway. The treatment building and aeration tank are taking shape, with forms going in and pipes running into and out of the buildings. Crews intend to work into the winter to get the building enclosed, with the filters planned for installation in summer of 2026. You can find detailed updates on progress by clicking here.

How we're paying for it: This project is being completed using the State of Michigan's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), a low-interest financing program that supports essential drinking water infrastructure projects. Portions of the low-interest, long-term loan may also qualify for principal forgiveness by turning a portion of the loan into a grant. The DWSRF allows the City to complete essential water system improvements efficiently, and that will keep our water system reliable and strong for many years to come.

Contact: For questions about this project, call the City of Dowagiac at 269.782.8200, e-mail dpsdirector@dowagiac.org, or call Mr. Ernie Sarkipato, P.E. with engineering firm Prein & Newhof, at 616.364.8491.

Pokagon Water and Sewer Extension Project

What we're doing: Extending Dowagiac's water and sewer lines through Pokagon Township to Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians facilities.

Where: Along M-51, toward Niles

When: The project kicks off on July 14, 2025, and will run through late-Summer 2026.

How it helps: The Pokagon Band and Four Winds Casino, as well as Pokagon Township residents within the service area, will be able to access Dowagiac water and sewer facilities. The City of Dowagiac is growing its customer base for these services. That enables us to invest more in maintaining and upgrading water and sewer infrastructure.

What to expect: Through mid-2026, expect some shoulder closures and possible single-lane closures. We will provide updates on any closures as they become available.

Current status: Work is underway.

How we're paying for it: This project is being funded by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians to extend water and sewer infrastructure through Pokagon Township to their facilities. Once construction is complete, the infrastructure assets are being given to the City for operation. There is no cost to Dowagiac taxpayers.

Contact: For questions about this project, call the City of Dowagiac at 269.782.8200 or e-mail dpwdirector@dowagiac.org.

Riverside Standpipe Water Tower Rehabilitation

What we're doing: Rehabilitating the standpipe on Riverside Drive, also known as the Rotary Park water tower. This includes painting it inside and out, making structural repairs, and installing a mixer for circulation. This keeps the water fresh for consumer use. The standpipe has been temporarily removed from the water system for this work. (Don't worry: The logos are being removed for this work, but they will be back!)

Where: The Riverside Drive standpipe, as indicated here.

When: As of February 19, 2026, The Riverside Standpipe is back online in the new year with a fresh look, and a new mixer running to keep water fresh.

Upcoming work: The last item will be restoration of the area when spring decides to arrive.

How it helps: This project is going to improve water quality, extend the standpipe's life, and give it a cosmetic upgrade.

What to expect: We don't expect disruptions to traffic.

Current status: Work is underway. The tank has been filled with 920,000 gallons of water, and testing water quality is the next step in the process.

How we're paying for it: This project is being completed using the State of Michigan's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), a low-interest financing program that supports essential drinking water infrastructure projects. Portions of the low-interest, long-term loan may also qualify for principal forgiveness by turning a portion of the loan into a grant. The DWSRF allows the City to complete essential water system improvements efficiently, and that will keep our water system reliable and strong for many years to come.

Contact: For questions about this project, call the City of Dowagiac at 269.782.8200, e-mail dpwdirector@dowagiac.org, or call Mr. Ernie Sarkipato, P.E. with engineering firm Prein & Newhof, at 616.364.8491.

Water Main Replacement for Maple St, Walnut St, and Nearby Alley: Phase I

What we're doing: We are replacing existing 2-inch and 4-inch water mains on Maple and Walnut Streets, south of Chestnut Street, to an 8-inch ductile iron water main (ductile iron pipe includes a cement mortar lining which prevents rust, unlike older cast iron pipes). We’re also installing new water main in an alley between Tuthill Street and Walnut Street to loop the existing dead-end water mains. The first phase of this project involves clearing trees. The City will plant new trees in that area when the project is completed.

Where: Along Maple and Walnut Streets, south of Chestnut Street, as indicated on the interactive map here.

When: The tree-clearing part of the project is complete. Water main construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early April (weather-dependent), and wrap up in July 2026.

How it helps: This project is being done to increase water system reliability and improve fire flows.

What to expect: During the construction phase, one lane of traffic will remain open. If it is occasionally necessary for construction to block access, crews will make every attempt to reopen the driveway(s) by the end of the day. Tree clearing has started along Maple Street and Walnut Street. The team has made very good progress along both Maple Street and Walnut Street. The tree clearing in the alley between Tuthill Street and Maple Street is underway. This will conclude the work on site this year until next spring when water main construction begins.

Current status: The work scheduled for 2025 is complete, and will resume again in spring 2026.

How we're paying for it: This project is being completed using the State of Michigan's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), a low-interest financing program that supports essential drinking water infrastructure projects. Portions of the low-interest, long-term loan may also qualify for principal forgiveness by turning a portion of the loan into a grant. The DWSRF allows the City to complete essential water system improvements efficiently, and that will keep our water system reliable and strong for many years to come.

Contact: For questions about this project, call the City of Dowagiac at 269.782.8200, e-mail dpwdirector@dowagiac.org, or call Mr. Jeremy Kamp, P.E. with engineering firm Prein & Newhof, at 616.364.8491.