Department Spotlight
Department: Department of Public Works Highway Division.
Overview: The DPW Highway Division is responsible for a wide range of tasks during the year. Throughout spring and summer, there are two primary focuses: road repair/maintenance and groundskeeping.
On any given day, employees are filling potholes, lining roads, replacing safety signs, street sweeping, cutting back bushes and limbs from sidewalks and corners, and paving. They are also responsible for mowing all town-owned properties, determining town tree removal needs, preparing playing fields, removing trash from playgrounds, fields, and parks, and maintaining Island Grove Park and pool for the community. Additionally, the DPW handles all MS4 (sewer-related) permitting requirements such as cleaning catch basins, tracking outflows, and monitoring the sewer system for any illicit connections. During the winter months, the DPW is also responsible for snow & ice control through plowing, sanding, and clearing sidewalks.
What should residents know about your department?
Our department has 10 full-time field employees and 150 pieces of town owned equipment/vehicles that are all maintained by DPW Vehicle Maintenance!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why isn’t my road being repaved when it has a low rating?
A: Road paving selection is a complicated process that encompasses many components. While we would love to be able to pave all poorly rated roads immediately, we receive limited Ch.90 State Highway Funds and rely almost entirely on supplementary town funds. Because of this, we select roads to pave based on frequency of use, rating and roads that could be paved in conjunction with each other or other projects.
Q: How can I find out what my street is rated?
A: Road ratings can be found on the town website under Public Works. This is a working document that is updated annually.
Q: How can I report a road problem or issue?
A: Common road defects such as potholes, missing signs, streetlights out, and overgrown bushes blocking road view can be reported by filling out a DPW Road Defect Report form or by calling the DPW office at 781-982-2122.
Q: What can the DPW do about the excessive water in my yard?
A: Unfortunately, in most cases, there is nothing we can do about excessive water. With unprecedented rain fall this year, the ground and streams are not able to keep up with the amount of water. If you are experiencing excessive or lingering water, it may be helpful to increase previous materials in your yard. This may mean adding gardens, grass, or using rock instead of asphalt to allow water to drain. If you believe the excessive water is coming from abnormal road run-off or stream overflow from a blockage, you can contact the DPW office.
Important Information for residents about your department?
While we do our best to carry out all tasks as quickly as possible, DPW has only 10 full-time employees. Some requests may take a little longer to accomplish or get to, but everything will get done. The DPW prioritizes responsibilities and we ask for understanding if we cannot address a concern immediately.
What are your major projects or goals in 2024?
Current projects include:
· Paving of Washington St.
· Rehabilitation of the Centre Ave Bridge
· Finalizing plans for the intersection projects of Hancock St. & Chestnut St. and Randolph St. & Chestnut St.
· Repair and extend the Island Grove snack shack for the 2025 season
Important documents residents should review?
Detailed information on various matters such as application requirements, the Abington Road Rating List, MS4 Best Practices, and an overview of Abington DPW are all readily available and downloadable on the DPW website.