Department of Public Works & Engineering

Phone: (732) 827-2060                       Fax: (732) 574-2341

Director of Public Works
Frank Mazzarella

Engineer
James R. Housten, Jr. P.E., P.L.S., P.P.

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 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q:        My sidewalk appears to be lifted by tree roots.  How can I get it replaced?

A:        The city replaces sidewalks that are lifted more than 1.5” by city trees.  “City trees” are defined as trees that are located inside the apron between the sidewalk and the curb in front of a residence or business.  Please call to schedule a replacement.  Property owners are responsible for the care and maintenance of sidewalks and curbs in front of their property that are not lifted by city tree roots. 

Q:        My basement and/or first floor drains are overflowing, especially after a heavy rain.  What’s wrong?

A:        Since Rahway is an older community, many of its sewers are combined; i.e., they handle both storm water and sanitary waste from homes and businesses.  During heavy rains, the old sewer mains cannot handle the increased flow of rainwater and sanitary waste.  Property owners can help by disconnecting downspouts from sanitary lines, but sometimes, the lateral and/or sewer main become clogged with debris.  The city is not permitted on private property to clear private sewer laterals.  You may call the DPW to inspect the mains in front of your property and clean them if necessary.  Maintenance of sewer laterals is the responsibility of property owners and not the city.

            If you are having a sewer emergency, you may call the DPW directly at (732) 827-2060 during business hours.  Outside of business hours, please call the Rahway Police Department at (732) 827-2200.

Q:        During heavy snowfalls, city plows push snow into my freshly-cleaned driveway apron.  How can I prevent this? 

A:        It is the responsibility of the city, county and state to clear streets for vehicles during and after snowstorms.  Unfortunately, large quantities of snow in the street often end up in driveway aprons.  Property owners are advised to shovel driveway aprons after plows are finished cleaning the street.  If you must shovel, place the snow “downstream” of your driveway so the plow cannot push it back into your driveway apron.  Property owners should also remove their vehicles before a significant snowfall if they are located along snow emergency routes in Rahway or they will be ticketed and/or towed. 

Q:        How do I report a pothole? 

A:        Please call the DPW at (732) 827-2060 to report a pothole on a city street.  They are usually patched within 72 hours. 

Q:       When will the city pick up my leaves? 

A:        Leaf season usually begins towards the end of October and runs through late December.  DPW crews will make a minimum of two passes on every street to collect leaves during those weeks.  Leaves should be placed in piles along the curb or placed in biodegradable paper leaf bags available at most hardware stores.  Leaves placed in plastic bags or trash cans will not be collected.  Because of new statewide regulations from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, leaves and other yard waste cannot be placed in the roadway more than (7) seven days prior to the scheduled collection dates or closer than (10) ten feet from any storm drain inlet.  Please call the city’s leaf hotline at (732) 827-2063 during leaf collection season to learn where DPW crews will be working that day. 

Q:        Will the city repave my street?

A:        Street resurfacings and reconstructions are performed on an annual basis by private contractors and not the DPW.  The City Engineer recommends streets that are in the most need of resurfacing and reconstruction.  Approximately 7 roadways are improved each year and are equally distributed throughout the city.

The streets that are scheduled to be resurfaced in the summer and fall are:

West Lincoln Avenue (Ludlow St. to Church St.)
West Lincoln Avenue (Winfield St. to St. Georges Ave.)
Winfield Street (Cul-de-sac to West Lincoln Ave.)
Washington Avenue (Essex St. to Lawrence St.)
Harold Avenue (Franklin St. to Lambert St.)
Jaques Avenue (Walter Street to Inman Ave.)
Stalevicz Lane (intersection with West Lake Ave.)

Parking will be restricted on the above streets during resurfacing, and motorists are asked to use extra caution when traveling through the area. All of the streets will be milled and will be topped with two inches of new asphalt. Curb, sidewalk and catch basin repairs or replacements will be made where necessary.

More information will be provided on city’s web site and on Channel 34 later this year or by calling (732) 827-2176.

Updated 3/27/08

Q:        Why won’t the city remove a street tree in front of my home?   

A:        Rahway is responsible over 6600 shade trees in our city and has the honor of being named a Tree City USA for its care and promotion of healthy trees.  These trees help contribute to the attractive character of Rahway and it is also estimated that each street tree adds $5,000 to the value of a home and keeps homes cooler in the summer.  The city will remove a street tree only if it is dead or is in immediate danger to life and property. 

Q:        Who is responsible for the City’s water utility? 

A:        The city’s water utility has been municipally-owned for over 130 years.  It is managed by United Water Rahway.  You may reach United Water at (877) 303-2435.