Engineering Division
The Engineering Division focuses on the safe functioning of the Town’s streets, sidewalks, parking lots and traffic control systems (signs, signals, pavement markings). These systems are monitored, evaluated and maintained in accordance with Federal, State and Town regulations and practices.
In preparation of any town project, the Engineering Division prepares surveys, design plans, specifications and cost estimates for proposed capital improvements which include streets, sidewalks, storm sewers, curbs, culverts, bridges and traffic signals. In addition, the staff reviews plans for private development in conjunction with the Planning and Zoning Office.
The Engineering Division provides the following services:
Bridges & Culverts
Periodic inspection, design, and replacement of 14 Town-owned bridges, excluding state, railroad and private bridges, provide essential safety to the public.
The Engineering Division inspects, designs and contracts for the replacement of the Town's 96 culverts, which makes up 35 miles of a watercourse system under the roadways. The Town does not maintain watercourses on private property.
Driveway or Street Excavation Permits
Street excavation permits are required for any excavation within the public street right-of-way for utility, storm water or private purposes. Permits are issued by street address.
Driveway permits are required for new, replacement or alterations to existing driveways.
Street Design Services
The Engineering staff manages the 215-mile town roadway network which includes resurfacing of pavement surfaces and curbing.
Sidewalks
The Town maintains the condition of 245 miles of sidewalks to reduce and eliminate potential hazards for pedestrians. Adjacent property owners are responsible for sidewalk snow and ice removal and mowing of grass areas between the sidewalk and street pavement.
Stormwater Management
The Town manages the storm sewer system which consists of 135 miles of pipe and 6000 drainage structures, designed to drain stormwater from public streets or other public facilities into 300 locations along watercourses. Storm drainage systems serving private property are the maintenance responsibility of the property owner.
Floodplains are defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and can be reviewed on FEMA.gov. Go to Flood Maps at the FEMA Map Service Center.
Survey of Town Property
Detailed surveys of Town property and construction projects are undertaken by the Survey Section of the Engineering Division. Two survey books are available for viewing (these are large Files and may take a few minutes to download):
1987 Final Survey Map, Horizontal Control Book, Condensed
1987 Final Survey Order Bench Mark System Book
Transportation
On occasion the Engineering Division conducts traffic counts on streets and intersections and undertakes traffic studies related to traffic signs and signals, pavement markings, parking and pedestrian safety.
The Town maintains 61 traffic signals. The Engineering Division determines the safest and most efficient manner to accommodate motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists at each signalized intersection. The Department of Public Works maintains the traffic signal equipment and performs modifications under the direction of the Engineering Division.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation maintains 45 traffic signals in West Hartford, most of which are located on New Britain Avenue and Albany Avenue.
The Town also maintains the pavement markings, crosswalks, lane delineations, speed limit records, and parking regulations on local roads.
Public transportation services, including bus schedules, bus routes, and bus stops are provided by the Connecticut Transit District and the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Bus shelters are maintained by the Grounds Division of the Department of Public Works Department and may be contacted at (860) 561-8100.
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