Maintenance associations may be established in any county outside an incorporated area to protect the health, safety and welfare of persons and the general public located within the designated maintenance association area. The maintenance association shall be created with the objective of establishing and maintaining improvements for the area designated in a petition filed pursuant to section three of this article, which may include constructing and maintaining shared streets, drainage facilities, sidewalks, water and sewer systems, signs, street lights and other improvements necessary for the protection of health, safety and welfare of the general public: Provided, That such improvements made to the state road system shall be made only as specified and approved by the commissioner of highways.