Roadway, Trail & ROW Maintenance
The Right-of-Way (ROW) Team is charged with keeping the City's roads, sidewalks, paths and trails safe for public use. The Team is responsible for the maintenance of 84 miles of public roads, uncounted acres of undeveloped rights-of-way, storm drains, street lighting, traffic signage, 4 acres of planter beds, 54 miles of trails and paths, several footbridges, 3000 stairs, and sidewalks throughout the Island.
Streets and the City Transportation System
Nearly every trip in Washington begins or ends on a city street. Watch the video to learn about city streets and the many important features of the transportation system. As cities grapple to fund priorities, it's critical these important assets are well designed, constructed and maintained for today, and into the future.
Roadway Maintenance Services
Services include patching holes, repairing edge failures, smoothing depressions, grading gravel roads, mowing & brushing rights-of-way, street signage, street lighting, traffic signals, storm event inspections, and catch basin and ditch cleaning. In addition, 8 curb miles of roadway in the Town Center are swept 36 times per year, 49 curb miles of arterial streets are swept 18 times per year and 92 curb miles of residential streets are swept 2 times each year.
Urban Forest and Vegetation Management
Services include pruning, tree trimming, replanting of areas to maintain erosion control and aesthetics and tree canopy, mowing and brushing of arterial shoulders, and hazardous tree evaluations to ensure safe passage is provided on all City streets, trails, paths and sidewalks.
Planter Bed Maintenance
Services include weed control done by hand with minimal chemical applications, fertilization, irrigation maintenance, pruning and plant replacement to ensure the City's planter beds and beautification areas are maintained in an economical and aesthetic state.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities Maintenance
Services include general trail maintenance, barrier installations and maintenance, repair or replacement of steps, bridges and retaining walls, repairing and clearing vegetation from sidewalks and paved paths. Learn more about the City's pedestrian and bicycle programs.
Icy or Snowy Roads
The Public Works Department’s de-icing system got its inaugural use in December 2009: crews spray down a liquid before freezing begins to prevent ice from forming on about 8.5 miles of roadway. Heavy icing resulting from major winter storms still requires the use of sand and salt. Learn more about the City's Snow and Ice Response Plan, and view maps of priority areas.
To report hazardous road conditions, flooding, fallen trees, or other dangers in the public-right-of-way, call the Public Works Department at (206) 275-7608 during work hours, or use the City's 24/7 dispatch number (425) 577-5656 after-hours and on weekends.
