Perkins paving parts of 5 roads in 2026

PERKINS TWP. — Perkins Township officials accelerated forward with a plan to improve five streets in 2026. During a recent public meeting, township trustees supported a few road resurfacing projects spanning their jurisdiction. The goal of this annual program: keep the traveling public safe on the smoothest roads possible while wisely spending taxpayer funds, according to township public works director Brad Link. "It's important that we continue our road maintenance program," said Link, who extended his appreciation to voters, who, several years ago now, backed a road levy to fund a majority of these upcoming repairs. Every two years, township officials evaluate every locally maintained road, taking into account factors like pavement condition and traffic volume, determining where fixes make sense. "We want to keep our roads in as good of shape for as long as possible to maximize our dollars," Link said. Where will work occur? Among the five projects, all resurfacing work, slated for 2026: 1. Old Railroad Road • Where: This project picks up where crews stopped in 2025: from the township's southern limits to just past West Strub Road. This year, they'll head north, covering a one-half-mile stretch starting at West Strub Road. In future years, as funds allow, the township will incrementally improve Old Railroad Road until reaching West Perkins Avenue. • When: Work should start and stop later this year. • Cost: The project totals $113,000 with all funds coming from Erie County's government through a local grant program. 2. Industrial Parkway • Where: Crews will treat the entire length of this road, spanning about 0.3 miles. Additionally, crews will make curb and gutter repairs as necessary. • When: Work should start and stop later this year. • Cost: The project totals $326,000, paid for through local township funds. 3. Crossings Road • Where: Crews will treat nearly one-half mile of road starting behind Olive Garden and ending at the pavement change near Sam's Club. • When: Work should start later this year but won't end until 2027 due to state funding requirements. • Cost: The project totals $227,000. Perkins received a state grant for $116,000, and the remaining $111,000 paid for through local township funds. 4. Fun Drive and Sam's Club Way • Where: Crews will collectively treat these roads, totaling nearly one-quarter mile. • When: Work should start and stop later this year. • Cost: The project totals $135,000, paid for through local township dollars. 5. Searsville neighborhood • Where: Crews will improve four streets: Dixie, Doerzbach, Electric and Tremper avenues. • When: Work should start and stop later this year. • Cost: It's unknown at this time as those details are being worked on right now.