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 City Hall at 269.782.2195 or e-mail dpsdirector@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. The aim is for work to continue through the winter as weather allows, finishing up in 2026. As of February 9, 2026, the team has delayed starting work due to winter conditions, as snow cover makes identifying and replacing lead service lines particularly difficult.

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.

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 269.782.2195, 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: The winter weather has slowed progress, but not stopped! The final concrete pour on the WTP foundation happened on February 3, 2026.

Upcoming Work: While the contractor waits for blocks to be delivered to start on the walls, they will be focusing on the concrete detention tank that sits adjacent to the WTP.

The site has been cleared of vegetation, and the buried gas service has been moved to the other side of New York Avenue.The contractor is installing erosion control, temporary fencing, and will be using heavy machinery to start construction on the site. In addition, the utility poles is being moved to the other side of New York Avenue. Some trees will be removed; the City will plant new trees in that area when the project is completed. We will also be moving some of the utilities on New York Avenue to the opposite side of the road, which will allow the connection of the new WTP to the system. The contractor team continues to grade the site to capture stormwater runoff, and is working to install pipe underneath the buildings and excavate for foundations.

The goal is to complete the building enclosure in time to work inside during the winter and throughout 2026, with an anticipated completion date of 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.

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 269.782.2195, 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 269.782.2195 or e-mail dpsdirector@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: Work is underway. We plan for it to be completed by early December 2025.

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 269.782.2195, e-mail dpsdirector@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 269.782.2195, e-mail dpsdirector@dowagiac.org, or call Mr. Jeremy Kamp, P.E. with engineering firm Prein & Newhof, at 616.364.8491.

Summer 2025 M-62 Resurfacing Project

What MDOT is doing: Resurfacing roughly 8 miles of M-62.

Where: M-62 from M-51 to M-140.

When: COMPLETE: This project was finished ahead of scheduleThe project kicks off on July 7, 2025, with an anticipated final completion date of October 3, 2025.

How it helps: The project will seal the pavement and extend the life of the roadway. It includes hot-mix asphalt cold milling and resurfacing, plus pavement markings.

What to expect: Single-lane closures with traffic regulators. The project will start at M-140 N to Watervliet.

Current status: Work is underway. Check status by clicking here.

How it's paid for: The $2.1 million cost of this project is being fully funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Summer 2025 Lester Avenue Paving and Lead Service Line Replacement Project

What we're doing: Repaving part of Lester Avenue and replacing lead service lines on that stretch. The work will include crushing and shaping of existing asphalt pavement, with two new lifts of asphalt pavement. The project will also include new curbs, curb ramps, and storm sewer cleaning and adjustments.

Where: Lester Avenue from East Division Street to Bishop Street.

When: COMPLETE: LESTER STREET HAS BEEN REOPENED The contractors working on the Lester Street project have encountered some weather-related delays, and also uncovered a few additional items that need to be addressed. Our engineers are working on those now. We will keep you posted as the project progresses. We anticipate the new reopening date to be on or about August 19.

How it helps: This project will improve a stretch of road that’s in need of repaving. The City prioritized Lester Avenue based partly on data from a recent PACER analysis, which is a widely used system used to assess the condition of road surfaces. The project also allows us access to replace Lead Service Lines on that stretch of road, as part of our ongoing efforts to move Dowagiac to a lead-free future.

What to expect: Lester Avenue between East Division Street and Bishop Street may be down to one lane starting with the commencement of the Lead Service Line replacement project on June 11. When the paving projects start on or about July 8, that stretch will be closed to traffic through approximately August 19, 2025.

Detour routes: During the period when Lester Avenue is closed, other local streets will remain open for workarounds. Commercial traffic will use posted detours.

Current status: Work is complete.

How we're paying for it: This project was part of Dowagiac’s 2024 Paving Plan, which is funded through local street funding. Some delays were encountered, so the work moved to the 2025 construction season.

Contact: For questions about this project, call the City of Dowagiac at 269.782.2195 or e-mail dpsdirector@dowagiac.org

Summer 2025 Bridge Improvement Program

What we're doing: Fixing and maintaining five busy bridges around Dowagiac to keep them safe and strong for many more years.

Where: Five bridges in high-traffic areas around the city

When: The project kicks off on June 9, 2025, and will run through mid-August 2025.

How it helps: Taking care of our bridges now prevents bigger problems later. This work keeps our bridges safe for cars, trucks, and emergency vehicles.

What to expect:

• Phase 1: COMPLETE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE S Front Street bridge, which will be closed for approximately two weeks starting on Monday, June 9. This bridge improvement requires some concrete work, so periods that may look inactive are likely curing time.

• Phase 2: COMPLETE The Cass, Henry, and Riverside bridges will be closed for approximately four weeks, starting on or about Thursday, June 19. The work is on track to be completed by Wednesday, July 16.

• Phase 3: REOPENED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE The S Front Street bridge and the Lowe bridges have reopened ahead of schedule. Pavement markings still need to be completed, but that won't require another closure.

• (Potential) Phase 4 CANCELED, NO LONGER NECESSARY: There may be some shoulder closures for the Cass, Henry, and Lowe bridges, starting in late July if necessary.

Detour routes: Official detour maps are available on this page. You can also use your own routes if you know other ways around.

Current status: All bridges are fully open to traffic as of July 22.

How we're paying for it: This project is largely funded by a State of Michigan Bridge Funding Grant for the 2025 season that the City identified, applied for, and won in 2022. This means local tax money can be used for other important projects.

Contact: For questions about this project, call the City of Dowagiac at 269.782.2195 or e-mail dpsdirector@dowagiac.org