The Public Works Department is responsible for maintenance of Township roads and facilities, engineering review of new and existing infrastructure, and administration of construction contracts.
Maintenance
Roadways - the Road Crew maintains roadways, curbing, sidewalks, signs, signals, pavement markings and roadside vegetation.
1. Snow and Ice Control – the Road Crew schedules shifts in the winter so that plow and salt trucks are on the streets when needed for road safety. At times there will be 24-hour
coverage during prolonged snowfalls. The Crew is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, all winter long.
2. Leaf and Brush Collection – In addition to the regular spring and fall leaf and brush
collection, the Crew conducts monthly (3-days per month) leaf/brush collection from
residential areas. About 800 truckloads of leaves are collected from early October to early
December. The crew also assists State College Borough with operation of the Leaf Compost
Facility.
3. Stormwater System Maintenance – the Road Crew maintains the Township’s system of
pipes, inlets, swales and cross pipes.
Engineering
1. Facilities Management – The department conducts roadway pavement inspections twice a
year, issues and inspects roadway occupancy permits, locates the Township’s underground
pipes and lines for PA ONE CALL requests, manages the Township’s traffic signals and
carries out the Park Development Program.
2. Land Development – The engineer and zoning officer review all plans, work as staff for the Planning Commission, inspect construction for new Township facilities, and answer inquiries
from citizens and developers.
3. Other duties – The Department responds to citizen inquiries regarding drainage, traffic and
pedestrian issues; administers the traffic calming program and consultant contracts;
maintains contacts with other municipalities, authorities, PennDOT, DEP, and utilities in the
region; serves on regional technical advisory committees and other ad hoc groups; and
supports the maintenance work of the road crew. The Director manages the NPDES
Stormwater permit program with assistance from the Engineering Technician.
Construction Contracts
Each year the Township bids the road-resurfacing program for completion by contract. Other contracts are bid, awarded, and managed as needed for Township projects; such as: gasoline, diesel fuel, concrete, aggregates, and asphalt.
Other Responsibilities
In addition to its major functions, the Public Works Department has responsibilities for the following:
1. Public grounds maintenance including the Township Buildings.
2. Vehicle and equipment maintenance, including police vehicles and other staff cars.
3. Maintenance of parks not in the regional maintenance program.