DEPARTMENT OFPublic Works

The Road Division is comprised of 18 employees and is responsible for maintenance of all Township roadways and drainage infrastructure which includes 113 miles of roads, 81 miles of sidewalks/paths, over 4,000 drainage structures, 400 drainage outfalls, miles of underground drainage pipe, curbs, guide rails, trees and other vegetation, and 1,000's of signs and pavement markings.  Additionally the Road Division is responsible for landscape maintenance at certain Township properties, staffing and operation of the Pill Hill Recycling Center and is the lead division responsible for Snow & Ice operations.

Maintenance activities performed by the Road Division include: filling potholes, asphalt/pavement repairs & patching, crack sealing, inspection, cleaning and repair of drainage structures, street sweeping, tree trimming/removal, curb repairs, sidewalk/path repairs, mowing of roadsides, traffic islands and properties, replacement and installation of traffic and street name signs, transporting recycling/disposal items from Pill Hill and processing of vegetative/wood waste.

The Fleet Division is comprised of 3 employees and is responsible for maintenance and repair of over 150 vehicles and 250 pieces of mechanized equipment owned by Bernards Township.  This includes police vehicles, small and large trucks, construction equipment, landscape equipment and all administrative vehicles.  Additionally the Fleet Division provides assistance to the Sewerage Authority and Fire/EMS agencies.

The Grounds Division is comprised of 9 employees and is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all Township parks and recreational facilities.  This includes over 2,000 acres of parkland, 32 athletic fields totaling over 200 acres, all sports courts, playgrounds, trails and paths and all park buildings and other amenities. 

Maintenance activities performed by the Grounds Division include mowing, setup and lining of athletic fields, infield grooming, collection of trash and recycling, grooming and repairs of artificial turf fields, aeration, topdressing, fertilizing, seeding of grass fields, operation and repair of irrigation systems, providing maintenance support to the pool & golf course and special event setup.

The Buildings Division is comprised of 3 employees and is responsible for maintenance and repair of all Township buildings/facilities.  This includes general repairs, electrical/plumbing/HVAC repairs, renovations, janitorial services and other custodial tasks.  The Buildings Division is also responsible for maintenance and repair of Township-owned street lighting infrastructure in the Hills and Spring Ridge developments.  Additionally the Buildings Division is responsible for numerous inspections/permitting and record keeping for standby generators, fuel pumps, underground storage tanks, backflow preventers, boilers, elevator/chairlifts fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems.

Administrative Services is comprised of 3 employees and is tasked with providing services and support to the 4 Public Works operational divisions, other Township departments and residents.  Services provided include: project management and support, resident questions/concerns/complaints, management and distribution of Pill Hill cards, fuel system management and billing, fixed asset/inventory, safety coordinator/right-to-know, administrative/purchasing functions and budget preparation/management.

In an effort to keep our roads and public areas more attractive and safe, Bernards Township participates in the State funded Clean Communities Program. As part of this, the Mayor and Township Committee recently established the Adopt-A-Road program.

The Adopt-A-Road program allows organizations and individuals to join the Township in producing safe, attractive, litter-free roadways within our communities. The organizations help teach their groups about a clean community as well as lowering the cost of litter removal by the Township.

This waste management strategy can also be made available to groups that wish to clean up public property other than Township roads. For example, groups may choose to clean a stream or drainage way. Township parks, open spaces and Green Acre parcels are other examples of public land that may be adopted.

In return for services, Bernards Township will fabricate and erect a sign that identifies the program and organization adopting an area or road. To find out more and enlist your organization or club, email us or call the Public Works Department @ 908.204.3084.

Few public works activities are as visible as cleaning streets of snow and ice and ensuring safe roadway conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. Not only is this activity visible but also it produces a practical benefit. A 1992 study by Marquette University concluded, "88.3% of all injury accidents during winter storms can be avoided simply by deicing roadways".

With this in mind, the Bernards Township Committee in 1992 adopted its Emergency Plan for Ice Control and Snow Removal. This was updated in 1997 along with the Department of Public Works Snow Plowing & Ice Control Operations and Procedures Manual.

Our goal is simply to provide safe pavement by cleaning all snow and ice as soon as possible during and after storms. Some of the benefits of this high maintenance standard are:

• Traffic keeps moving.
• Business and peoples daily routines are minimally affected.
• There are fewer accidents and injuries.
• Emergency vehicles get through.

We attempt to accomplish our goal by a proactive approach to anticipating conditions, rapid response and full use of appropriate equipment, material and methods. Routes are set up geographically with priority set on high volume streets, intersections, slopes and other problematic areas. Deicers, primarily salt, are used regularly in a sensible application. At times other environmentally safe additives are used to enhance the deicing ability of salt at lower temperatures.

If you have any questions, please email us or call 908-204-3084 during regular business hours. During storms you may leave a message at 908-204-3087. Extreme emergencies such as accidents, injuries requiring medical attention or imminent hazards may be reported by dialing 911.

When wood chips are available they are stockpiled and can be picked-up at the Pill Hill Recycling Center. Best availability would be in the Fall.