PUBLIC WORKS

The Department of Public Works is responsible for all areas of the borough including, sanitation, recycling, curbside collection, yard waste, streets and roads, sewers, parks and playgrounds and public buildings. A brief description of these various services and responsibilities of this Department follows:

Roads

The Department maintains approximately 44 miles of streets within the Borough. There are also 5.5 miles of County roads and 2.5 miles of State Highway within the Borough, which the Department does NOT maintain. The county roads include Main Street, Central Avenue, Woodbridge Avenue, New Durham Road, and a portion of Middlesex Avenue. These roads are plowed by those agencies and we assist at any time to improve conditions to our residents.

Patching and Sweeping
The 41 miles of Borough streets are patched as required and swept regularly. The department submits a list of roads to the Borough Administration for overlaying and capping of roads. Roads that need reconstruction are handled directly by the Borough engineer.

Sidewalks
Rehabilitation of all sidewalks is the responsibility of the property owner. A permit is required and approval must be given by the Borough Engineer. You may look on line for a copy the sidewalk ordinance by checking the Borough's Code Book.

Snow Removal
The removal of snow from all Borough roads is performed by the Department of Public Works. All snow equipment is deployed and the Department coordinates its snow response with the Police, Fire and Emergency management departments to assure the most cost effective and safest possible removal. Snow must be cleared from your sidewalk promptly. Do NOT force pedestrians and children to walk on the street. Please remove vehicles from the streets where possible to facilitate snow plowing. Some streets prohibit parking when accumulations occur.

Parks and Playgrounds

All Borough playgrounds and ball fields and play equipment are maintained on a daily basis, with the major emphasis being directed toward the summer and fall months.

Sewers

The Department maintains 67 miles of storm and sanitary sewers and three sewage-pumping stations. Storm basins and lines are cleaned periodically as preventative maintenance or as required.
During rain and snowstorms, catch basin inlets are kept clear of leaves and debris to insure optimum performance of the drainage system.

Emergency

In the event of any emergency during other than regular working hours, a phone call to the Police Department (632-8500) will get a member of this department for assistance in an emergency situation.

Shade tree

All Borough trees are maintained by the Department of Public Works division of Shade tree. The Borough will not and does not allow residents to remove healthy trees. If you think you may have a problem with a borough tree please send an e-mail or call the department.

To Contact the Department of Public Works:

Send a note to Recycle@Metuchen.com