The planning and programming for creation of new, and improvement of existing, infrastructure such as county roads, bridges and, in a few remote locations, sanitary sewer are the principle business of the County Engineer and his staff. They also represent Shelby County on the Land Use Control Board, review developer projects and plans, prepare public improvement contracts for subdivision streets and drainage and have inspectors on each subsequent project. The Senior Architect assists other county offices by overseeing design and construction of public buildings built under the county Capital Improvement Program.
The certified bridge technician performs annual inspections on each which is then compiled by either in-house or contractor forces into a short and long range maintenance program for performance.
The County Engineer, through the Director of Public Works, makes annual recommendations to the Mayor and County Commission for improvement or creation of major roads and/or bridges in accordance with the Major Road Plan of the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Proper drainage is a particular concern and many site visits are made to assist in solving public drainage problems or in making the determination of whether the drainage is public or private. Stormwater Management under the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is also a mandate.
The departmental traffic engineer monitors problem roads or intersections and performs studies leading to solutions such as widening of a road or installation of a new signal or sign. He also reviews all Capital Improvement and Development plans for full compliance with traffic regulations and best practices.
