Anyone who has traveled west out of Perry on Park Street can tell you that the road could use a makeover.

The Perry Public Works Department will be doing just that this year, as they have partnered with the Dallas County Secondary Roads Department to widen the street. Public Works Director Jack Butler explains, Park Street is one of the oldest and most narrow streets in the City, which has caused it to be a safety hazard for motorists. Butler says it’s a project they’ve wanted to work on for years, but it wasn’t until the County got involved that it began to fall into place.

“It is a joint effort, the County jumped in and they’re taking care of a bunch of it and helping the City. And we really appreciate that, because the County’s got some equipment that we don’t have. That’s just one little piece around town, that’s overdue. You know, it’s been needed for many years, and we’re tickled pink. And I know all the neighbors out there and all the folks that travel that road, everybody’s excited.”

The project will be done in three phases, with the County’s part going on now. The City will seek bids for their section in the coming weeks, and should begin sometime this spring. Butler says the City’s part will include widening the pavement by three feet on either side, including a curb and gutter, which will bring the street in line with proper specifications. The final phase will be an asphalt overlay, which should be done in June or July.