Superintendent of Streets

801 Royal Heights Road   Map (MapQuest.com)

Belleville, Illinois  62226

(618) 233-6810, Ext. 213

kvaughn@belleville.net

Links:

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview:

The Street Department is responsible for maintaining approximately 300 miles of streets, and 60 miles of alleys. Staff consists of a superintendent, a secretary and 20 street workers.

Duties include:

• sign replacement

• snow and ice control

• oil and chipping

• concrete repairs

• installing guardrails and concrete barriers

• crack sealing

• repairing road edges

• litter control

• right-of-way weed spraying and mowing

• street sweeping

• tree trimming and removal

• pothole repair

• emergency response to weather related incidents

Ditching, or re-digging ditches that have silted in or creating additional ones is performed on an as needed basis as well as culvert repair and replacement, catch basin and detention basin cleaning and repairing. The Department also supplies, and hauls, rip rap, dirt and rock for erosion and flood control.

This department oversees traffic control which includes signs and street markers; replacing or repairing damaged, missing or old signs. Signs which include numerous informational signs, warning signs and traffic control signs. A central crew provides attention to the downtown area for signage, curb markings and overall litter control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to help prevent street flooding?
Be a good neighbor and help, when possible, to keep storm water catch basin grates clear and free of debris. An ounce of prevention will prevent, or greatly reduce, flooding conditions. Never blow your grass cuttings or leaves into the street or into a drainage ditch. This will avoid, or greatly reduce, flooding. As far as grass cuttings or leaves are concerned, add a mulch attachment to your mower. Mulching replaces organic materials to your lawn and there is no raking, bagging or carrying involved.

Don’t I have a right to park on a city street unless it is marked no parking or, in winter, snow route?
Yes, you do, however, please keep in mind that in the older sections of town the streets are quite narrow compared to today’s standards. In such case if two vehicles are parked abreast of each other, in some locations, street sweeping or snow/ice control and plowing may be greatly restricted or all together impossible to safely perform.

Why does there seem to be more potholes in the spring?
During the winter, moisture is trapped in the ground which then freezes creating a frost line. The soil expands as it becomes frozen. Along comes the warmer weather of spring and the ground thaws. If moisture has penetrated any portion of the road surface, the road material bond is now broken creating a soft area. Add vehicular traffic rolling over any portion of this area and a pothole is created.

My sidewalk and curb are in bad repair and need to be replaced. Will the City come and replace them?
Yes, and no. The City can not afford to pay for the whole expense. However, there is a 50/50 program available where the resident pays half and the City pays half. The City goes out on competitive bid and usually gets a very economical price. Residents are placed on a first-come, first-served waiting list to initiate the replacement. This is handled through the Engineering Department.

I saw a tree near a street edge and the limbs seem to brush passing traffic. It looks unsafe. Will the City remove it?
The Street Department will investigate the situation. If the limbs are covering a stop sign or other traffic control sign, they will be pruned as quickly as possible. Measurement will be made to determine if the offending tree is growing within City right-of-way. Upon inspection if the tree is on City right-of-way, and is diseased unhealthy or damaged (e.g. lightening strike) the tree will be removed as quickly as funds allow.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding a street problem please call our office at 618-233-6518 ext. 213. When requesting work of any kind, an accurate address is a must. Having your house number displayed on the front of the house and also on the back of the house, or garage, if there is an alley, is extremely important, not only for us, but for emergency vehicles as well.