Summer Maintenance
Often times, an ambitious Capital Improvement reconstruction program limits when routine maintenance can be accomplished. The following maintenance activities will be carried out during the summer when time is available.
Street Sweeping
Each year, usually in the spring, Amherst’s streets are swept with a hired vacuum sweeper. The priority of sweeping is as follows: curbed roads, not salt roads, then other roads within the limitations of the Departments budget. For the remaining roads, sand is power brushed to the road edge and sometime much later picked up during aggressive roadside ditching.
Catch Basins and Culverts
Catch basins are cleaned by outside hired equipment each year and additionally as needed. Openings and discharge areas of culvert pipes traversing town roads are cleaned annually, within budget constraints. RSA 236:13 VI (enacted in 1997) states “All private driveway connections, including structures like culverts, remain the continuing responsibility of the landowner even if located within the right-of-way”. Please check and clean your driveway culvert!
Tree Trimming & Removal
Dead and dying trees along the road edge should be brought to the attention of the Public Works office for assessment. Trees within the right-of-way will be prioritized for removal. Every effort is made to deal with trees within our capabilities as quickly as time and scheduling allows. Trees within the right-of-way and within the jurisdiction of the utility lines are referred to the appropriate company for removal.
Prior to any cutting by Public Works, advance written notices are left at your residence explaining expectations. Sometimes, we are required to deal with low branches extending from private property into the roadway creating dangerous situations for travelers. We strive to work with property owners to resolve these issues. We prefer to trim branches flush, leaving a more esthetic appearance. Branches can be trimmed at the perceived edge of the right-of-way.
Small saplings and field grass within the right-of-way, along the road are trimmed in accordance with RSA 231.150
Roadside Ditching
Each year several roads are selected and the material built up along the shoulder and ditches is removed. Drainage is a key factor in our road selection. Free flowing water into shoulder ditches reduces erosion, ice buildup, and asphalt damage.
Line Striping
Each year, usually in spring, stop bars, crosswalks, yellow centerlines, white fog lines and parking spaces are painted within the limitations of the approved budget.
Grading of Dirt Roads
Roads are graded spring and fall and on an as needed basis. Processed crush gravel is added as necessary in appropriate areas.
Asphalt Patching
Patching is done on an as needed basis within the limitations of the approved budget. Potholes should be brought to the attention of the Public Works office for assessment.
Permits
The following permits are required and available with specific rules and regulations at the Planning and Zoning office.
- Road opening permit
- Driveway permit