Learn about the divisions and units that make up the Department of Streets.
Administrative
The Administrative Division provides support services through several units:
- Administrative Services Unit (Budget and Accounting)
- Human Resources Unit
- Information Services and Technology Unit
- Planning and Public Affairs Unit.
Transportation
The Highways Unit
The Highways Unit safely maintains Philadelphia streets. The unit:
- Constructs, repairs, and maintains City streets.
- Determines how and when streets are excavated.
- Responds to weather events like snow and ice.
The Highways Unit also includes the Right-of-Way (ROW) Unit. The ROW Unit:
- Processes permit applications for street closures and temporary occupancies, like block parties and utility work.
- Reviews plans for projects that impact the sidewalk and/or street.
- Reviews plans for capital improvement projects that affect transportation infrastructure.
The Survey, Design & Construction Bureau
The Survey, Design & Construction Bureau designs city streets and highways. It also plans and constructs city bridges, through its Bridges Unit. The Survey, Design & Construction Bureau performs all surveying functions for the City, including:
- Supplying lines and grades.
- Preparing street maps.
- Creating plans and other land records.
- Maintaining all road records and street opening data.
The Traffic Engineering Unit
The Traffic Engineering Unit determines the type and location of all:
- Signs.
- Signals.
- Markings.
- Devices for regulating traffic.
The Street Lighting Unit
The Street Lighting Unit manages the City’s street lighting system. The unit designs and maintains a network of over 100,000 lights, including:
- Roadway lights.
- Pedestrian-scale lights.
- Alley lights.
The Planning and Analysis Unit
The Planning and Analysis Unit provides strategic planning and analysis support for the other units. Its work includes:
- Coordinating the bidding of all public works contracts and the solicitation of all professional services contracts for the department.
- Providing administrative support and coordination for all grant-funded Department of Streets projects.
- Coordinating new technology solutions for transportation operations and divisions.
- Coordinating the annual paving program and ADA curb ramp program, including the review of moratorium conflicts on recently paved streets.
- Reviewing all design plans and accepting as-built inspection records for all ADA curb ramp construction in the city.