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Departments: Public Works

About Us

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

The Department of Public Works is responsible for the care and maintenance of public roadways, sidewalks, drainage systems, shade trees, parks, grounds, recreation fields, athletic fields, the Town's Recycling and Trash Transfer Facility, and snow and ice control on all public, and certain private roadways. As of October 1st, 2001 there are approximately 136 miles of public roads, including unaccepted subdivisions, approximately 20 miles of private roadways, and approximately 10,000 public shade trees in Town.

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PLOWING OF PUBLIC ROADS
PLOWING OF PRIVATE DRIVES AND PRIVATE WAYS
PUBLIC SHADE TREES
STREET OPENING PERMITS
RECYCLING AND TRASH TRANSFER FACILITY

PLOWING OF PUBLIC ROADS
The Department is responsible for snow and ice control on all public roads, most public driveways and parking areas, and certain private ways and unaccepted subdivision roads. Residents are required to comply with the following guidelines relating to public ways:

1. Do not rake leaves or other debris onto public ways.
2. Uncover the storm drain in front of your house if covered over with leaves, snow or other debris.
3. Do not plow or throw snow from private property onto the street or sidewalk.
4. Do not pump water from sump pump onto a public street or sidewalk.
5. Do not plow in or block sidewalks with snow or a motor vehicle.
6. Do not park a vehicle overnight on any public way, especially during snow season, November 15th to April 15th. This interferes with efficient snow removal.

Private Ways and unaccepted subdivision roadways will be plowed in accordance with the following policy:

PLOWING OF PRIVATE DRIVES AND PRIVATE WAYS

1. Within subdivisions approved since July 1, 1980, private ways which have been approved and have been constructed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Planning Board of the Town of Hingham, but are not yet accepted as public ways, will be plowed for a maximum of three seasons and are not subject to the conditions contained herein. However, a private way will not be plowed if a Planning Board decision or a covenant places that responsibility with the homeowners.
2. Specifically excluded from plowing, are non-municipal multi-unit housing complexes, parking lots, shopping center plazas, areas or malls, and similar areas.
3. The private ways must contain two or more residences in existence, and constructed prior to July 1, 1980, with each residence fronting on the private way.
4. The private way must be safe for plowing equipment to enter the area.
   The road surface of the private way must be paved in a manner acceptable to the Superintendent of Public Works and be in good repair and the way must be a least (10) feet in width throughout its entire length.
5. The private way, at the time of plowing, must be clear of vehicles.
6. All owners of property on said private way must sign an agreement releasing and waiving any liability against the Town, its agents, officers, servants or employees, and agreeing to indemnify and hold harmless the Town, its agents, servants, officers or employees, from any damages whatsoever. This agreement must be executed each year.  

PUBLIC SHADE TREES
Public Shade Trees, which are defined as any tree located either partially or entirely within the layout of a public road, are protected under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 131, section 40, the Public Shade Tree Act. Cutting, trimming or pruning or removal of any such tree requires a permit from the Tree Warden. In addition, no one may affix (e) a notice, sign advertisement, or any other thing to a public street tree.

STREET OPENING PERMITS
A Street Opening Permit is required for any work within the layout of a Public Way in the Town of Hingham. This includes the installation of driveways or utility lines or services, installation or alteration of stonewalls or fences or other structures, or any project that result in changes in drainage patterns. In general, the public utility company is responsible for obtaining the necessary Street Opening Permit for service installation. A handbook entitled "Rules and Regulations Governing Street Excavations" may be obtained at the Public Works Office, 101 Hersey Street. It should be noted that except for emergencies, a public way may not be opened for a period of five (5) years following resurfacing or reconstruction.