Roads

Our team is committed to providing top-notch road maintenance services, encompassing everything from routine inspections and repairs to snow removal and emergency response.

Responsibilities:

• Pothole Repair: Swift action to fix any disruptions to the road surface, ensuring your travel is safe and uninterrupted.
• Snow and Ice Management: Keeping roads clear and navigable during winter months through timely salting and plowing.
• Street Cleaning: Regular removal of debris and dirt to maintain cleanliness and prevent drainage issues.
• Signage and Safety: Upkeep and installation of road signs, markings, and safety barriers to guide and protect road users.
• Pavement Management: Periodic resurfacing, sealing, and rehabilitation to prolong the lifespan of our roads.
   

Snow Plow Routes

View snow plow routes.

Parking

Ellington residents are reminded that the Ordinance Concerning Parking on Public Highways within the Town of Ellington prohibits street parking during and after any period of snowfall or icy conditions in order that the Department of Public Works will be able to safely and efficiently remove the hazards of snow and ice from the roads.  

Snow Removal from Sidewalks

The Sidewalk Ordinance regarding snow and ice removal requires the owner, occupant or person having the care, maintenance or rental of the land, building or premises adjoining or fronting upon a sidewalk to remove snow, sleet or ice within 36 hours following the cessation of the fall of snow or sleet.  Failure to do so could result in a fine.

Contact the First Selectman's Office at 860-870-3100 if you have any questions regarding the above ordinances.

Snow Removal from Fire Hydrants

Residents are asked to clear any snow from fire hydrants on your property or nearby.  Open a path to the hydrant and clear an area all around the hydrant.  All fire hydrants should have a reflective pole marker.  If the one near you does not, please call the Ellington Volunteer Fire Dept. at 860-870-3190 and leave a message with the specific location of the fire hydrant.  

Mailboxes

Mailboxes should be inspected before the ground freezes so that any rotted or damaged posts can be repaired, please check to see that your mailbox is securely fastened to the post.  Mailboxes that are damaged by the snow load will not be repaired by the Town.  The post to the mailbox should be 3.5 to 4 ft. back from the curb and the face of the box 12 inches from the curb.  If you have questions, please call the Department of Public Works at 860-870-3140 or email the department. 

Check out these tips and information from the USPS regarding curbside mailboxes, 

as well as a note or two from Ellington DPW.

Sand

Sand is available to residents throughout the winter months.  The pile is located at the Town Garage, 21 Main St on the Firehouse side of the property.  This pile is restricted to residents only, no contractors please.  

Stormwater Management

This Stormwater Management Plan has been prepared for the Town of Ellington to protect its water quality and reduce the discharge of pollutants from the Town storm sewer system to the maximum extent practicable. 

• 2023 MS4 Annual Report
• 2022 MS4 Annual Report 
• 2021 MS4 Annual Report
• 2020 MS4 Annual Report
• 2019 MS4 Annual Report
• 2018 MS4 Annual Report

Stormwater Management Plan - March 2017

For more information, please contact Thomas Modzelewski,

 Director of Public Works

• Email: thmodzelewski@ellington-ct.gov
• Phone: 860-870-3140
• Fax: 860-870-3147

Residents are asked to do what they can to help keep pollution out of the Town's storm drains, because storm drains and roadside ditches lead directly to our lakes and rivers.  Oil, pet waste, leaves, trash or dirty water from washing your car that enters a storm drain gets into our lakes and rivers.  We all need to be aware of what goes into our storm drains.

What can you do?

• Sweep fertilizer off of driveways and sidewalks, back onto your lawn.
• Keep leaves, grass clippings, trash and fertilizers out of storm drains.
• Do not dump motor oil, chemicals, pet waste, dirty soapy water or anything else down the storm drain. 

Keep our water clean!

Permits & Requests

For Building Permits, please visit this page.

Requests

Traffic Sign Request Form
Requests for traffic signs or signals must be submitted to the Town Administrator at Town Hall.  The Town Administrator is designated as the Local Traffic Authority (LTA) for the Town.   Only signs that comply with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) will be authorized.  The use of "Blind Driveway" or "Hidden Driveway" signs are no longer sanctioned by the Department of Transportation or the MUTCD.   Stop signs are not authorized for speed control.  Speed limits, even on town roadways, are reviewed by the LTA and the Office of the State Traffic Administrator.  The Town utilizes electronic data collection devices to determine vehicle counts and vehicle speeds prior to the installation of signs or other traffic control devices.  Decisions regarding signs and signals on or adjacent to State roadways are ultimately rendered by the State after consultation with the local traffic authority.

 

Trees

Tree issues should be reported in writing to the Tree Warden.  Acceptable methods are written letter or email to thmodzelewski@ellington-ct.gov

Permits

Application/Permit for Alterations within the Public Right of Way.  The fee for this is $35.  

Application for Sewer Connection/Reconnection.  The fee for a sewer permit is $300.

All permits and fees are to be submitted to the Building Department at 57 Main Street (Town Hall Annex). A $5,000.00 bond good for 1 year from date of construction and certificate of insurance are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I report a pothole or road issue?

You can report potholes, damaged signs, or other road concerns by submitting a service request online, calling, or emailing the Public Works Department.

2. How does the Town decide which roads to repave or repair?

Roads are prioritized based on condition assessments, traffic volume, safety concerns, and available funding.

3. When is street sweeping done?

Street sweeping typically begins in early spring after snow and ice season. Main roads are prioritized first, followed by residential areas.

4. What should I do if my mailbox was damaged by a town plow?

If your mailbox was hit by a plow, contact Public Works within 48 hours of the storm. Our team will inspect the damage and determine if it qualifies for repair or replacement.

5. Who maintains trees near the road?

Public Works maintains trees in the right-of-way. If a tree or branch appears hazardous, please contact us so we can assess the situation.

6. Can I plant trees or place decorations in the right-of-way?

We discourage planting or placing items in the right-of-way as it can interfere with maintenance, plowing, and safety. Please contact Public Works before making any changes near the roadway.

7. What are the rules for driveway aprons and culvert installations?

Property owners must obtain a driveway permit before making changes. Contact Public Works for design requirements and inspection information.

8. When is snow plowing and sanding done?

Plowing begins when roads become slippery. Main roads and emergency routes are cleared first, followed by residential roads. Sanding and salting are done as needed for safety.

9. Can I push snow into the road from my driveway?

No. Pushing or plowing snow from your driveway or private property into the street is prohibited and creates a safety hazard.

10. Who is responsible for fixing storm drains?

Public Works is responsible for maintaining catch basins and storm drains on public roads. If you notice a clogged or damaged basin, please report it.

11. Will the town fix the end of my driveway after plowing?

Unfortunately, the Town does not clear windrows (piles of snow left at the end of driveways). We recommend waiting until after plowing is complete before clearing the area.