Public Works takes on under the radar projects, often under the street

Public Works crews use an underground camera to look at the condition of a stormwater pipe.

SNELLVILLE – Residents may not always see all the work the city's Public Works Department does. That's because much of it is underground and done before issues become visible.

During the 2018-2019 fiscal budget year, Public Works crews took on four emergency projects totaling $172,516. Though these projects may not be seen on the surface, they saved streets from collapsing and stormwater infrastructure from failing, potential woes city officials are eager to prevent.

"People should know, while the consequences of these issues are not dire, certainly the fixes helped prevent potential injury and damage to homes and vehicles in the street," said City Manager Butch Sanders.

Public Works' largest emergency repair last fiscal year took place on Bennett Ridge where a hole more than 7-feet wide and 8-feet deep opened up. A sinkhole arises when pipes, some of which can be more than 50 years old, are badly deteriorated. When water pressure increases during a storm in the pipes, rainwater siphons dirt into the pipe, wearing it away, according to Allan Snipes, assistant director of Snellville Public Works. The hole, which was big enough to swallow a car, took two weeks to repair.

This fiscal year, which started July 1, Public Works is taking on 11 capital projects totaling $762,000. Stormwater projects are expected on Greenturf Drive, Classic Drive, Summit Chase Drive, Valley View, Harbor Oak Drive, Riverbend Drive, Grand Central and Classic Drive.

Also during this fiscal year, Public Works is slated to spend $696,000 on 2.96 miles of resurfacing on 15 city streets. Along with city funds, these projects will be paid for with state Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant monies and Special Local Option Sales Tax funds. The streets include Scenic Drive, Lanier Drive, Lanier Way, Vail Valley Court, Aspen Ridge Court, Heavenly Lane, Beaver Creek Lane, Brooks Court, Valley Drive, Valley Way, Twin Springs Drive, Deer Valley Court, Summit Turf, Timberline Trace and Zermatt Way.

For more information on the Public Works Department visit www.snellville.org/public-works