city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Public Works

We ensure that Boston’s streets, sidewalks, and bridges are safe, clean, and attractive.

Our department provides core basic services essential to neighborhood quality of life. We direct the general construction, maintenance, and cleaning of approximately 802 miles of roadways throughout the City. We operate two major drawbridges, maintain 68,055 City-owned street lights, and supervise contracts for the removal and disposal of approximately 260,000 tons of solid waste. We also operate Boston’s recycling program with an annual diversion of approximately 44,000 tons.

Learn more about how Public Works helps the City.

Contact

Waste Reduction

We provide free services to residents to help properly dispose of many different types of waste. Learn about the services we provide, find your weekly collection schedule, check out our zero waste programs, and much more!

Waste Reduction Information

Public Works Engineering Projects

We have information on bridge, design, and construction projects.

Engineering projects

Public Improvement Commission

The commission owns and controls Boston’s public space. We play an important role in the City’s development and permitting.

Public Improvement Commission info

Reports and publications

Reports

The Construction Inspection Unit (CIU) produces a daily report, Monday through Friday, of all active utility and private contractor construction work taking place in the Public Way throughout Boston. In addition, they list all City resurfacing and reconstruction projects.

Emergency work notified to the unit after normal work hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) is not available in the report until the following work day.

You can see what construction is taking place in your neighborhood, the reason for the work, the contact information for the company, and the estimated completion date of the project.

Back to top