Let's Commend North Branford Workers On National Public Works Week

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — They alert residents about downed trees, road work, road closures, tree trimming and pruning and keeps folks up on parking bans. They share project updates on social media from the re-stocked sand/salt shed, recycling news, crack-seal road projects, bridge maintenance projects and updates.

And a lot more.

They visit schools to educate kids about the work they do. Hold touch-a-truck events. You get the idea: community outreach.

And then there are the not your run-of-the-mill jobs that need doing. Like when a good Samaritan noticed a hawk stuck in the batting cage. Police and animal control were called, with public works workers toiling nearby removed/rescued the hawk and set it free.

Here's the full list of what the department's workers are responsible for in addition to the above:

They maintain and repair 85 miles of roads and all town bridges. Additional duties include snow and ice removal, street sweeping, minor roadway reconstruction, storm drainage installation and maintenance, brush control, and maintenance of Town vehicles and equipment.

Then there's the maintenance of town and Board of Education properties, including athletic fields — over 130 acres of Town property and 26 athletic playing fields.

No wonder, Town Manager Michael Downes is asking the community to recognize the "tremendous efforts of our fine professionals in the North Branford Public Works Department." The timing is right as this is National Public Works Week.

"Our Public Works Department has performed like first responders through emergencies and events, demonstrating flexibility, innovation, and compassion as they undertake their roles on behalf of North Branford taxpayers," Downes said. "Thank you all for everything you do for us."