COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Coldwater is launching a major infrastructure push this summer in road and sidewalk projects approved by the City Council.
City Manager Keith Baker announced that the centerpiece of the 2026 season is the full reconstruction of Morse Street from US-12 to Smith Street, a $937,198 undertaking that will replace crumbling pavement and upgrade essential underground utilities. Other immediate priorities include a $220,249 repaving of Liberty Street between Marshall and Grand, which is expected to begin yet this month.
Baker talks about how the different road projects are determined each year:
Baker noted that while some neighborhood projects in the Second Ward have been postponed to align with future budgets, the city is aggressively using voter-approved millage funds and state revenue to tackle long-standing street deterioration.
The city’s maintenance strategy also prioritizes pedestrian safety and long-term utility health through extensive sidewalk and sewer upgrades. A $161,222 sidewalk program will fill gaps in subdivisions like Northshore and Arrowhead, specifically targeting the north side of West Chicago Street.
Looking ahead, Baker confirmed that even larger projects for East and West Pearl Streets will be bid out in the coming weeks to address aged water mains and storm sewers. That project will also include South Hudson between US-12 and East Pearl.
Baker says that will create some difficult navigation around the Branch County Courthouse:
Baker also said a major road project that could take two years to complete is still in the engineering phase:
Motorist should prepare for a “busy summer” of detours and closures, though officials aim to complete much of the work while local schools are out to minimize traffic disruption.
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