Public Works Department

The Public Works Department is in charge of maintaining city infrastructure and providing high quality municipal services to the community. This includes street paving, cleaning and plowing; traffic signal maintenance and sign installation; and maintenance of stormwater, sanitary sewer and drinking water conveyance systems inside the city limits. The Public Works Department keeps all City vehicles and equipment operating smoothly and ensures City buildings and grounds are well maintained. 

Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of the City’s roadway network. The Public Works Department has an in-house asphalt paving program. Streets are identified for resurfacing based upon the most recent Pavement Condition Rating Study. Full depth concrete replacement is bid out on an annual basis. Additional responsibilities of the Department include pothole patching, berm work, crack sealing, street cleaning and snow removal. Street name signs and all traffic control signs and signals are installed and maintained by Public Works.

When snowfall is two inches or greater within a 24-hour period, a snow emergency is declared and parking on city streets is prohibited (NRCO 452.12). The Public Works Department has a fleet of 25 trucks available for snow plowing and salting with 18 dedicated zones. Our plowing and salting policy is as follows:

•    All main routes will be plowed and salted.

•    All school zones will be plowed and salted.

•    All interior streets will be plowed and intersections, grades, curves and main roads leading out of developments will also be salted.

Public Works is responsible for repairing all city-owned water mains and fire hydrants. If you observe water bubbling up or a continual wet spot in the pavement, ditch or grass areas of tree lawns, this may indicate a water main break or leak. Please call (440) 490-2094 during normal business hours (M-F, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.); after hours call the Police Department at (440) 490-2001.

Public Works routinely provides preventive maintenance and cleaning of sanitary sewers and storm sewers. Regular maintenance of the storm sewer system is important for flood control, structural integrity and water quality. When needed, crews rebuild storm sewer catch basins which also reduces chances of flooding. If you experience a blockage or water backup, call (440) 490-2094 during normal business hours (M-F, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.); after hours call the Police Department at (440) 490-2001.

Public Works is responsible for other stormwater conveyance channels. The Department has created a systematic approach to clearing and cleaning ditches, watercourses and other drainage improvements regulated through NRCO Chapter 1028. Work includes ditch inspections; storm drain repair, inspections, cleaning and installation; removal of blockages and flooding response.

If you are experiencing flooding or storm drain problems, call (440) 490-2094 during normal business hours (M-F, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Power outages, street light outages or malfunctioning street lights may be reported through Ohio Edison/First Energy's website or by calling 1-888-544-4877.

The Public Works Department accepts used motor oil. Residents may dump used motor oil into the used oil container at the Service Garage during business hours only, M-F, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Clean used motor oil, up to five gallons maximum per day, will be accepted. In addition, peanut oil and any other clean oil may also be accepted. “Clean” means oil not mixed with brake fluid, antifreeze, gasoline or other fluids and is free of most dirt and other solid matter. Used motor oil should only be transported in well-sealed containers. You may call Public Works in advance for permission to bring in larger quantities.

Scrap tires/household hazard waste items may be dropped off at the Lorain County Solid Waste District located at 540 South Abbe Road in Elyria. Hours of operation are Mondays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays 12 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a complete list of accepted materials, visit the Lorain County Solid Waste District’s website or call (440) 329-5440.