MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - With Michigan's harsh winters and fairly warm summers it's inevitable that the summer brings one thing, and that’s construction. Which just might be the future for a few local roads within Meridian Township this summer.

Many roads are looking for improvements this summer. With over 147 miles of local roads in the Township, 15 of those selected are being considered for possible construction and pavement work for the first time in just over 25 years.

Assistant Township Manager/Director of Public Works & Engineering, Derek Perry said, "The reality is there are still other strong candidates out there, out of that 147 miles of roads roughly forty-percent of those are rated as being poor to failed. "

This is done by focusing on pavement condition, using a well-known system called PASER, rating pavement from 1 being poor, to 10 being brand new. Forty percent of the 147 miles of roads are rated 1-3, which leaves absolutely no shortage of candidates for roadwork in Meridian Township.

Local resident Emily McKeon, who regularly goes jogging throughout the neighborhoods said, " In my neighborhood they're not that bad, but when I go jogging in other neighborhoods it's pretty bad, and I feel like it's pretty dangerous. I'm just curious to see how long it will take for them to get the construction done."

Once paper work is set in stone, the final roads are in, and the bids are in, the goal is to start proceeding with construction and pavement work this summer.

"Hopefully with the next week or so, we'll get some good returns and we'll be able to complete the road work we want in 2016," continued Perry

Due to the neglect the roads have been given, it is without a doubt important that the proper time and money is spent on the selected roads.