From Streets to Sidewalks, Arlington Highlights Efforts to Enhance Regional Mobility During National Public Works Week
Each year, during the third full week of May, the nation celebrates National Public Works Week. The theme of this year’s campaign, which will be held May 19-25, is “It Starts Here” and is meant to highlight to the numerous aspects of modern society that begin and are supported by the contributions of the men and women who provide and maintain a community’s infrastructure. But if you are like so many, what public works means and does can be confusing.
Public works is defined as the building of things by the government for the community. Within the City of Arlington, the Public Works and Transportation Department does this and so much more. Comprised of 12 divisions, the department is responsible for the following:
• Construction Inspection and Survey Services
• Drainage Infrastructure Maintenance and Repair
• Environmental Compliance and Education
• Flood Mitigation
• Pavement Marking Installation and Maintenance
• Roadway Capital Improvement Program
• School Crossing Guards
• Street Pavement Maintenance
• Traffic Safety and Flow Engineering
• Traffic Sign Installation and Maintenance
• Traffic Signal Operation and Maintenance
Some of the department’s major accomplishments in fiscal year 2018 include:
• Began $57 million in road and drainage infrastructure improvements
• Replaced 1,329 existing and installed 607 new traffic signs to ensure compliance with national standards
• Excavated and repaired 46,549 square yards of failed concrete street panels
• Repaired 6,184 potholes
• Replaced 460 traffic signals
• Repaired 1,775 square yards of sidewalks
• Performed crack seal maintenance on 51 lane miles of roadways
In 2010, the department became the third in the state to be recognized by the American Public Works Association as an accredited agency that goes above and beyond nationally established management practices. To maintain this distinction, the department must commit to performing a self-evaluation to ensure that all critical services are being addressed, set goals for improvement, and accomplish increased productivity and effectiveness. In June 2018, the department underwent a comprehensive review of their practices by the American Public Works Association and were found to be in complete compliance with over 420 industry practices. This distinction earned the department its second four-year reaccreditation.
In recognition of the integral role the department’s nearly 280 employees have in the health, safety, and comfort of the community, Mayor Jeff Williams will proclaim the week of May 19-25, 2019, as National Public Works Week at the May 21 City Council meeting.
To learn more about the services provided by the Public Works and Transportation Department, please visit department’s web page, email us at [email protected], or call 817-459-6550.
Enhance Regional Mobility, Data in Action, Street Construction Projects
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