Ferndale evaluates roadway conditions using the Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PASER) system, a standardized pavement condition rating system widely used throughout Michigan.

PASER assigns a rating from 1 to 10 based on visible pavement condition, including factors such as:

• Cracking
• Surface deterioration
• Rutting
• Patching
• Ride quality

Higher PASER ratings indicate roads in better condition, while lower ratings indicate roads that may require more significant rehabilitation or reconstruction.

The City conducts PASER assessments every other year during even-numbered years to monitor roadway conditions, identify trends, and support future capital planning decisions.

Roads do not deteriorate at a constant rate. Pavement often remains in relatively good condition for many years before deterioration accelerates rapidly near the end of its service life.

For this reason, preventative maintenance performed at the right time can significantly extend pavement life and reduce long-term costs.

A road that receives routine maintenance may provide decades of reliable service, while a road that is allowed to deteriorate may eventually require complete reconstruction at a substantially higher cost.

Preventative maintenance helps preserve roadway condition and delay the need for more expensive rehabilitation or reconstruction projects.

Common pavement preservation activities include:

• Crack sealing
• Localized asphalt repairs
• Pavement patching
• Surface maintenance

These activities may not be as visible as major paving projects, but they play an important role in extending pavement life and protecting prior public investments.

Addressing minor pavement issues early can help prevent water infiltration, structural damage, and accelerated deterioration.

Ferndale completed a 10-year Local Pavement Improvement Program in calendar year 2025. This effort resulted in the rehabilitation or reconstruction of local streets throughout the community and significantly improved the overall condition of the City's roadway network. The program was supported through dedicated local funding and other available transportation funding.

In addition to locally funded street improvements, Ferndale regularly pursues state and federal funding to support larger projects on major transportation corridors. These funding opportunities allow the City to leverage local dollars and complete projects that would otherwise require substantially more local funding.

Many federal roadway projects in Oakland County are selected through the Oakland County Federal Aid Committee (FAC), which evaluates and prioritizes projects on federal-aid-eligible roads throughout the county. Ferndale competes for these funds alongside other Oakland County communities and works several years in advance to identify, apply for, design, and fund future roadway projects.

Depending on the project, the City may also pursue other transportation grants and funding programs for roadway rehabilitation, safety, pedestrian, bicycle, accessibility, and related infrastructure improvements.

Major corridor projects often provide an opportunity to coordinate pavement work with other transportation and infrastructure improvements, allowing the City to make more comprehensive improvements while maximizing outside funding.

Roadway investments are guided by a combination of factors, including:

• PASER condition ratings
• Traffic volumes
• Safety considerations
• Utility coordination opportunities
• Available funding
• Regional transportation needs
• Construction efficiency

Whenever possible, the City coordinates underground utility improvements with roadway projects to reduce future pavement cuts and maximize the value of public investments.

Roadway infrastructure requires ongoing investment. While the Local Pavement Improvement Program significantly improved the City's roadway network, roads will continue to age and deteriorate over time.

Ferndale will continue to monitor pavement conditions, perform preventative maintenance, pursue grant funding opportunities, and evaluate future funding strategies to maintain the transportation system for future generations.

Long-term roadway preservation requires balancing routine maintenance, capital improvements, utility coordination, and strategic infrastructure planning.