As Project Manager for the City of Waynesboro, I was also responsible for coordinating the operations and repairs of the Street Department. This department plays a critical role in maintaining the city’s infrastructure and ensuring the safety and accessibility of our roads. From paving and drainage to signage and contractor oversight, the work of the street department touches every citizen’s daily life.
Paving & Roadway Management
Before any street could be paved, it was essential to coordinate with other city departments to resolve underlying issues such as water line repairs, sewer maintenance, or drainage concerns. This planning prevented costly damage to new roads. I also managed contractor selection and oversight, ensuring proper paving methods—including correct asphalt temperature, seam finishing, driveway tie-ins, and milling depth adjustments with manhole risers and culverts when necessary.
Drainage Repairs
Effective drainage is vital for public health and roadway integrity. Standing water creates safety hazards and attracts insects, so we prioritized ditch cleanouts, culvert replacements, and erosion control. I worked closely with engineers to calculate water flow and implement solutions such as rip rap, cement pads, and other protective materials.
Street Repairs
Many city roadways contain buried utilities, making collaboration with water and sewer departments—and calling 811 before digging—critical. Proper compaction and material selection were tailored to the traffic load of each street. By setting restrictions on oversized vehicles in certain areas, we were able to extend the life of local roads.
Striping & Compliance
The department also managed street striping, signage, and electronic devices. This included following state and federal standards for intersections, railroad crossings, and crosswalks. We ensured ADA compliance on sidewalks and walkways, maintained clear school zones, installed signage at public facilities, and managed curb painting throughout the city.
Contractor Oversight & Inspections
Every contractor project required inspections at completion, six months, and one year to guarantee work met engineering and owner standards. This follow-up helped maintain quality, safety, and accountability across all city infrastructure projects.
Ongoing Operations
Street maintenance is a continuous responsibility. This included keeping roads clear of debris, ensuring drainage grates were functional, monitoring traffic patterns, addressing citizen concerns, and installing traffic-calming measures like speed bumps. I also worked with the city police department to enhance roadway safety and with insurance providers to resolve claims and eliminate problem areas.
Through proactive planning, attention to detail, and cross-department communication, the Street Department successfully maintained and improved Waynesboro’s roadways for the benefit of the entire community.
