Highway Division Operations

Asphalt Repair Patching

The Highway Division provides routine general and emergency repair services to roads and sidewalks throughout the Town. Repairs may consist of small to large potholes, trench repairs and repairs around storm drain systems. Repairs are generally made on a year-round basis. The Asphalt repair crew responds to Work Orders taken at the DPW Office generated by calls from the general public. Additionally, utility trench road repair patches are made for the Water and sewer divisions.

Drainage Repairs/ Catch Basin Cleaning

The Highway Division undertakes routine repairs to stormwater drainage systems. In many cases, catch basins are antiquated and hand-built from blocks and brick. Rebuilding structures varies from replacing frames and covers and repair of top sections to complete basin replacements. Skilled labor is used to perform these tasks. Drainage swales and other forms of runoff easements may be cleared and regraded as necessary. If you observe street flooding or deteriorated collapsing structures, please report them to the Highway Division immediately.

Additionally, the Division operates one catch basin cleaning truck. Basins and piping systems which become clogged are cleaned with a basin cleaning truck, or jet-rodding vector system. There are over 700 Catch Basins and Drainage systems throughout the Town. Many of the Storm Drainage systems consist of a series of Catch Basins, Drain Manholes, Piping systems, and some form of Leaching system to dispose of the stormwater runoff. Sand, leaves, pine needles, and other debris all contribute to clogging these systems. Please make an effort to clear leaves and debris around the basin covers in your localized areas.

Fleet Maintenance

The Highway Division's Fleet Maintenance subdivision is responsible for the repair and maintenance of Town-owned vehicles and equipment. While the division functions primarily out of the public eye, employees also assist with snow removal, emergency response, and other functions as needed. The Fleet Maintenance subdivision is responsible for maintaining the vehicles and equipment used by the Highway, Water, Sewer, Police, Council on Aging, Facilities Department, Harbormaster, and other municipal departments. The subdivision currently has two mechanics.

Gravel Road and Parking Lot Grading

The Highway Division maintains several miles of gravel roads and parking lots throughout the Town. Road Grading is generally performed during Spring, Summer, and Fall months. Every effort is made to keep roads in good condition. roads are graded on a routine an rotational basis. Please be patient when roads have deteriorated. We will return as quickly as we can. Gravel roads deteriorate rapidly due to excessive speeds, combined with inclement weather. Please travel at reduced speeds on these roads in order to help maintain satisfactory road conditions and public safety. Road Grading is generally not performed during Winter months when road conditions are frozen.

Grounds

The Highway Division is responsible for maintaining over 70 acres of public land in town. Their duties include the upkeep and repair of public grounds, parks, pathways, school grounds, athletic fields, conservation land, beaches, open spaces, forestry land, boat ramps, and town cemeteries. Additional responsibilities include roadside mowing, brush cutting, and the trimming, removal, and replacement of public trees.

Litter Pickup

The Highway Division is not staffed to perform daily litter pickup along all of the Town's public ways. We appreciate the cooperation of the public and businesses in keeping our Town clean and beautiful.

Roadside Brush Clearing

The Highway Division has several brush and grass mowers used to maintain safe lines of sight along public ways in order to prevent accidents and to ensure public safety. Private property owners are requested to maintain shrubs, bushes and vegetation on their properties to maintain safe lines of sight.

Street Sweeping

The Division operates one street sweeper from early Spring until the first Snowfall. Street sweeping provides necessary maintenance of the municipal stormwater system and protects our streams, and Harbor from excess siltation. In the Spring, sand is collected from main roads first, and then progresses into neighborhoods throughout the Summer. In addition, erosion runoff from storm washouts also requires seasonal maintenance. In the Fall, leaves and pine needles are collected to keep drains open in preparation for Winter. Sweeping is performed systematically throughout the Town of Marion. Please be patient with the operation. We will get to your area as quickly as we can.

Traffic Signs

The Traffic and Signage Department within The Highway Division produces all municipal street signs and maintains traffic markings, including crosswalks and downtown parking space markings. Additionally, they provide emergency assistance to Police with street closings and detours, and provide traffic barricades for Holidays and Events.