At their May 18th meeting, in a proclamation, Arlington Select Board recognized May 17-23 as Arlington Public Works Week in concert with National Public Works Week organized by the American Public Works Association (APWA).  

“I’m pleased to honor the hard-working staff of Arlington Public Works this week for the service they provide the community year-round,” said Arlington Select Board Chair, John Hurd. “Their work supporting the Town’s infrastructure and vital services contributes to the high quality of life enjoyed in Arlington.” 

This year's theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community” acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works. From highly visible work such as maintaining our roads, parks, cemeteries, tree canopy, and overseeing trash and recycling collections to less visible work, such as maintaining our water and sewer systems, these efforts form the foundation of thriving communities.  Every project, seen or unseen, reflects the enduring connection between dedicated public servants and the people they serve. 

About Arlington Public Works 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is made up of several divisions including Administration, Cemetery, Engineering, Highway, Water/Sewer, Motor Equipment Repair, and Natural Resources (Parks and Trees). Arlington Public Works sets out to provide excellent service and support to all. Below is a brief description of each division. 

Administration 
The Administration Division provides the following services: financial (including budget preparation and administration), invoice payment, invoice billing, grant management, water/sewer reading-billing, personnel and payroll management, customer service, contract administration, oversight of contracted solid waste/recycling and hazardous waste collection services, and oversight of contracted streetlight maintenance on public ways and parking lots.  The Department’s Geographic Information System (GIS) services is also included within Administration. 
 
Engineering Division 
The Engineering Division provides a wide variety of support services to other DPW divisions, various Town departments, commissions, contractors, public utilities, and to the general public. The Division works closely with the Highway, Water, and Sewer Division upgrading and improving the infrastructure of the Town by providing surveys, engineering design, construction plans, field layouts, and field inspection services. 
 
Highway Division 
The Highway Division maintains 102 miles of roads, 175 miles of sidewalks, 175 miles of curbing, eight parking lots, along with numerous guardrails, stairs, walls, and fences. The Division also performs street sweeping services and maintains traffic lines, signs, and drainage systems (culverts, pipes, manholes, catch basins, and drain channels). 
 
Water/Sewer Division 
The Water and Sewer Division maintains 131 miles of water mains, 117 miles of sewer mains, 9 Sewer Lift Stations, 1,414 hydrants, and numerous valves, and service connections/shut offs. 
 
Motor Equipment Repair Division 
The Motor Equipment Repair Division continues to maintain all DPW vehicles. 
 
Natural Resources Division (Forestry and Park Maintenance) 
The Natural Resources Division consists of the Forestry and Parks. The Division is responsible for the proper management, care, and maintenance of Arlington’s public trees and public lands, including parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields. 
 
Cemeteries Division 
The Cemetery Division is responsible for the care and maintenance of the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and the Old Burying Ground. The Mt. Pleasant Cemetery is an active cemetery and accommodates an average of 200 burials per year. 
 
Snow Removal Operations is a major responsibility of the DPW, shared across all divisions. 

For additional information about Arlington's Public Works Department, please visit arlingtonma.gov/dpw.