Construction to repave roads in the Western Niles Township subdivision of Mission Hills began earlier this month and is slated to last through October.

“The road was basically in a lot of places gone,” said Niles Charter Township Clerk Terry Eull. “Residents are very happy. They are the ones that brought it (the project) forth and have been very supportive of this project.”

James Meyer, a Mission Hills resident, described driving on the worn, pot-hole laden roads as a “challenge.”

Meyer said that the subdivision brought the road conditions to the township leader’s attention last year. The initial suggestion from the Berrien County Road Commission was to smooth the roads by fully converting everything to gravel.

“The neighborhood preferred new pavement,” Meyer said.

Members of the subdivision then sought action for approval to pave the roads through a special assessments district which seeks for public improvement when the value of property can be enhanced through such work. With the guidance of the Township, including several hearings throughout 2015 and 2016, a plan to bring the project to fruition was established.

The project will cost approximately $590,000. The township will be picking up $150,000 of that and the subdivision residents will also pay a total of $150,000 at a cost of $1,800 per unit — which residents have 10 years to pay, said Eull.

The other roughly $290,000 will be paid by the Berrien County Road Commission.

On a recent Thursday afternoon, construction workers of L.E. Barber Contractor were busy ripping up the old road. A tractor worked diligently moving dirt near Christiana Road. Asphalt chunks lay in a pile at the roadside, marked off by orange cones.

Resident Terry Flint praised construction efforts and, despite the big project ahead, said her morning commute is usually not difficult.

“My commute has not yet been affected by the construction,” she said. “I would add that, in this first week, the equipment operators have been very kind, courteous, and professional, keeping the roads mostly open, and yielding to us as we come and go.”

Flint also expressed gratitude for the township’s efforts in working with the subdivision.

“Neighbors worked together for the greater good,” she said. “Elected officials listened and took appropriate actions, and the governmental agency is responding appropriately and timely.”

Other residents agreed that they were glad to see the project underway.

“We’re happy and proud to see our road improvement project proceed,” said Phil Catalano. “The Mission Hills residents, Niles Township and Berrien County Road Commission spent a lot of difficult time, effort and planning to make this project a reality.”