Public Works

Mission Statement


The mission of the Department of Public Works is to provide a responsive and high quality public service to all Portsmouth residents in the maintenance and improvement of town-owned property and infrastructure through positive interaction, interdepartmental relationships, and cost effective management.

Christmas Tree Pickup

After the holidays, Public Works will pick up Christmas trees on a schedule they will prepare that is based on your voting precinct.  Pick up typically does not begin until January, and is subject to the weather. Christmas trees are turned into mulch, which is free for town residents. Give the Public Works Department a call if you want any of this free mulch!



Mosquitoes


Paving Program


If you have any questions on the Town's paving program, please contact the Public Works Department at 401-683-0362.

Pot Hole or Other Dangerous Road Condition


If the pot hole or dangerous road condition is on a town road, during the workday, call the Public Works Department at 401-683-0362. If the pot hole or dangerous road condition is on a state road such as East Main or West Main Road, please contact the state barn at 401-683-1070 during the work day. At all other times contact the Portsmouth Police at 401-683-0300.

If you sustain damage from a pot hole:
  • For a town road call the Finance Department at 401-683-9118
  • For a pot hole or other damage on a state road, call 401-734-4817 or learn what you need to provide at http://www.dot.ri.gov/about/claims.php.

Snow Plow Damage


All reports of mailbox damage on town roads should be directed to the Department of Public Works at 401-683-0362.

If you live on a town road and your mailbox was damaged by a town snow plow, regardless of the type of mailbox, it will be replaced with a standard rural mailbox compliant with the US Postal Service (USPS). Posts will be a pressure treated 4” X 4”. Wherever possible, the existing mailbox, if undamaged, will be reused as well as the existing post. Installation will be performed by DPW employees.

If your yard was damaged by a town snow plow, please contact the Department of Public Works at 401-683-0362 for more information.

If your yard or mailbox was damaged by a state plow, please contact 401-734-4817 and view http://www.dot.ri.gov/about/claims.php for more information.

Streetlight Out Info


If a streetlight is out or has a problem (i.e., cycling on and off) you can call National Grid directly at 1-800-322-3223 for the fastest response. You will need to choose customer service as though you were calling about your own bill. National Grid requires certain information such as the pole number, the nearest street address to the light, and the exact problem. If the issue is not repaired, usually within 5 - 10 business days, please call Public Works at 401-683-0362 with the same information you previously provided to National Grid.