Public Works consists of two primary sections: Engineering & Programs and Operations & Maintenance. The sections work in close coordination with each other, other City Departments, the public, and other agencies to ensure the effective development and ongoing stewardship of public infrastructure including systems for water distribution and fire protection, wastewater collection, surface water management, the urban forest, both motorized and non-motorized transportation, solid waste disposal and recycling, public grounds maintenance, and City fleet services.
Engineering & Programs Section
Public Works Administration provides overall administrative support and policy direction for the Public Works Department.
The Capital Projects Division manages the scoping/development, design, and construction of publicly funded infrastructure projects for the City’s water, wastewater, and surface water utilities, park capital construction, transportation projects and major facilities.
The Development and Environmental Services Division oversees transportation and utility infrastructure projects initiated by private development and franchise utilities, administers the solid waste disposal and recycle program, and provides surface water engineering and program administration.
The Transportation Engineering Division coordinates with other Divisions and Departments to plan, design, and operate the City’s multimodal transportation system, including management of the City’s sign and signal maintenance, downtown parking, and neighborhood traffic control programs. The Division also provides staff support for the Kirkland Transportation Commission and participates in regional transportation planning.
Operations & Maintenance Section
Fleet Management provides for safe, cost effective, and reliable vehicles and equipment for all City departments.
The Streets & Public Grounds Division is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and repair of the City transportation system including pavement, shoulders, bike lanes, sidewalks, walkways, traffic signals, signage, illumination, parking, landscaping and roadside vegetation. Stewardship of public grounds of City buildings and the urban tree canopy located within the public rights of way are also under the Division’s care.
The Water/Sewer Division provides daily maintenance and repair activities and assists with the long term planning and efficient operation of the City’s water storage and distribution system and its control along with the City’s wastewater system which includes collection pipes and manholes and the system of interconnected pumping facilities and their controls.
The Surface Water Division provides daily maintenance and repair activities and assists with the long- term planning and efficient operation of the City’s surface water system. Surface water components include the built system of inlets, pipes, and vaults and the natural system of streams, ditches and bodies of water.