Engineering

"Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs.

Civil engineers design, build, supervise, operate, and maintain construction projects and systems in the public and private sector, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment. Many civil engineers work in design, construction, research, and education." - U.S. Department of Labor

The city of Duluth public works & utilities department- engineering division, is comprised of three sections: city engineering, transportation engineering, and utility engineering. Each section is managed by a chief engineer with a staff of project engineers, engineering specialists, engineering technicians, GIS technicians, information technicians, and/or operational personnel.

City Engineer

The City Engineer plans, develops, and manages the engineering division in the design, construction, inspection, and repair of municipal public assets.  Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: developing the division budget, managing the engineering fleet, acting as liaison with state agencies to allocate state and federal funds, ensuring compliance, supervising office functions, assisting with new software systems, supervising permitting procedures, providing leadership for large projects, responding to petitions and discussing improvements, providing information to city administration, directing the construction bidding process, reviewing project workmanship and directing final acceptance/payment, assisting with problem solving, representing the division at meetings, assisting with policy & procedures, and managing personnel administration.  

Transportation

The transportation section is responsible for large-scale roadway projects in Duluth.  This section oversees the inspection, construction, and replacement of streets, alleys, bridges, sidewalks, and traffic signals, as well as addresses traffic concerns.  It is the responsibility of the Chief Engineer of Transportation to plan, develop, and manage the transportation engineering division related to city-governed transportation and infrastructure. 

Utilities

The utilities section is responsible for all major gas, water, sanitary sewer, and storm water projects.  Utilities also manages the design, inspection, installation, and replacement of the utility infrastructure to comply with state and federal regulations.  This section also reviews new utility petitions for main extensions, provides location of underground utility mains, and inspects, replaces, and constructs all sewer, water and gas mains.  It is the responsibility of the Chief Engineer of Utilities to plan, develop, and manage the Utility Engineering division for city-owned utilities.

Staff Directory

• Engineering : Home
• Standard Construction Specifications
• Engineering Guidelines
• Capital Improvement Budget and Five Year Plan
• Contractor Resources
• Resident Resources
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Quick Links
• Bike System Map
• Resources
• Special Assessment Notifications and Information