Engineering Division

City Infrastructure

The Engineering Division of the Department of Engineering provides design assistance for the repair and improvement of the City's infrastructure. This infrastructure includes: roadways, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, street lights, bikeways, pedestrian routes, water distribution system, wastewater collection system, storm drains and drainage structures. The Engineering Division works with the other Public Works divisions to help provide for timely and responsive repairs to avoid unsafe conditions. The City is also in the process of becoming recognized as a Gold Level Bike Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. More information on Arcata as a bike friendly community can be found here.

Capital Improvements

The Engineering Division also oversees capital improvement projects for the City. These projects include improvements and expansion of the existing infrastructure, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access improvements, industrial park development and redevelopment district projects. Many of these projects are conducted in-house and involve surveying, engineering design, the preparation of plans and specifications, construction management and inspection. This Division also prepares tentative maps and legal descriptions for the sale of City-owned properties. For larger projects, the Division solicits, negotiates and administers contracts with professional surveyors and engineers to complete the work.

Public Services

This Division provides a number of services to the general public including: determining availability of public utilities, encroachment permits, review of private subdivision and development proposals and traffic safety studies. Applications for work within the City's street right-of-way are reviewed and inspected by the Engineering Division. The Division is also responsible for abatement of nuisances within the public road right-of-way.

Transportation Safety Committee

This Division provides staff support to the activities of the Transportation Safety Committee. Citizen concerns about traffic safety and parking restrictions are studied by the Division and a report is made to the Committee. The Committee then makes recommendations to the City Council.

This Division provides staff support to the activities of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (PDF).