The core values of the Department of Public Works (DPW) include public safety, affordability, and customer service. Public safety is our primary concern and is reflected in many of the individual tasks performed by the Public Works Department.
Mission Statement
Supports and enhances the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors by providing services to manage and upgrade the Town's infrastructure in the most efficient manner and provide design, construction, and maintenance solutions for roads, traffic, drainage systems, trees, sanitary sewers, and water production and distribution in order to maximize safety, benefit, and convenience to the public.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Department of Public Works is made up of six divisions, including Administration, Engineering, Highway/Forestry, Water and Sewer, Fleet Maintenance, and Water Treatment. The Highway/Forestry Division manages the Snow and Ice Operations, budgeted separately from the Divisions outlined above. The Department also plays a minimal role in facilities maintenance providing assistance to address the electrical needs of the Town.
Work consists of programmed maintenance activities and infrastructure improvement projects. The work of the DPW is implemented by Town employees and through outsourced vendor contracts. These contracts are awarded through a competitive bidding process in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws. The Department is responsible for 314 lane miles of road with associated drainage, traffic controls, roadside vegetation, 180 miles of water mains and structures, 92 miles of sewer mains and structures, over 3,300 catch basins and manholes, and four primary and one secondary building facilities, including the one treatment plant and 152 pieces of equipment.
The Department's Administration Division is located at 999 Whipple Road.
