Street Department

Alleys within the city are maintained in the summer by grading gravel, repairing asphalt as needed and pruning or removing trees. In the winter, we plow snow and sand or salt alleys as needed.

Merrill's automated collection of garbage and recycling makes it safer for you to get materials to the curb.

Click here for Garbage & Recycling information.

 

 

Resurfacing – consists of replacing asphalt pavement that has deteriorated past the point of preservation

• The old pavement is removed from the street.
• The existing subgrade is examined and replaced as needed.
• Any curb and gutter that is deteriorated is replaced.
• Storm sewer and other utilities are examined and replaced as needed.
• New asphalt pavement is put in place.

Crack sealing – consists of sealing crack that develop in asphalt pavements.

• Cracks that go unfilled allow water to seep into the pavement structure.
• This moisture can freeze and thaw with changes in weather and cause the pavement to break apart.
• Crack sealing consists of cleaning out cracks with high pressure air and heat.
• These cracks are then filled with a rubberized tar that can expand and contract with changes in temperature.
• This has been found to be the most cost-effective form of pavement preservation.

Seal coating – consists of applying a slurry mixture to the street surface

• The asphalt slurry is able to fill in small ruts and cracks to keep moisture out.
• Streets need to be closed for several hours to allow the slurry to cure.
• The small stone aggregate that is mixed in the asphalt gives the street more skid resistance.
• The new street surface prolongs the life of the pavement.

 Asphalt repair – consists of patching or replacing distressed sections of street

• Some pavement repairs require a simple cold patch asphalt patch to fill potholes.
• Other repairs consist of removing sections of pavement and replacing them with new hot mix asphalt.
• We are also responsible for pavement replacement related to street openings for utility repairs.

Concrete Replacement Program – consists of routine replacement of concrete sidewalks and curb and gutter.

• Sidewalks are inspected yearly by district and distressed sidewalk slabs are marked for replacement.
• Our crews remove and replace these sidewalks throughout the summer.
• Curb and gutter that is distressed or settled is also marked and replaced.
• We also replace concrete that is related to street opening permits for utility work.

A Street Opening Permit is required any time you plan to excavate within the street right of way (typically for utility replacement). A copy of the form can be found below and returned to the Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 1004 E 1st St., or emailed to Caleb.Novitch@ci.merrill.wi.us.

Street Opening Permit Application

We care about the environment and keeping Merrill clean. Street sweeping is typically done regularly when the snow melts in spring until December. 

Regular sweeping keeps the majority of leaves, yard waste and road debris from entering the storm sewer system and causing harm to our waterways. 

The Street Department and Utilities work together regularly to come up with long-range plans for the replacement of underground utilities and streets.

A 10-year capital replacement plan is evaluated and updated annually. View it below.

• Snow removal is a complicated and time consuming task. There are many variables that are considered when determining how to handle a snow or freezing rain event.
• We are responsible for over 72 miles of city streets plus alleys, sidewalks and city parking lots.
• On any winter weather event, priority is given to major roads like Hwy 64, Hwy 107 and streets that serve hospitals and schools.
• After these streets are cleared, our plows start working on residential streets.
• Salt is generally applied to the main streets when the temperature is above 15 degrees in an effort to maintain bare pavement.
• A mixture of sand/salt is applied to the intersections, hills and curves of the residential streets.
• Snow is also removed from the boulevards in downtown and business district areas regularly to help with pedestrian traffic and to prevent ice from accumulating in these areas.
• Boulevard snow removal is only done when the crews are not needed for plowing.

The City of Merrill manages storm water through a variety of methods.This is done to prevent harmful materials from entering our area waterways.

• Regular inspection and cleaning of storm sewer inlets, manholes and pipes.
• Replacement and maintenance of storm sewer as needed.
• Using de-icing material like salt only when it will be effective.
• Leaf collection in fall and regular street sweeping.

The Street Department is responsible for the work associated with trees located within the street right of way. This work includes:

• Removal of dead or hazardous trees.
• Pruning for vehicle clearance, visibility and tree health.
• Cleanup related to wind storms.

If you have a question or concern about a boulevard tree, contact the City Forester Dan Wendorf at (715) 536-6187.

We collect yard waste in a number of ways.

• Our yard waste site is open 24/7. It is located at the south end of Blaine St. Please obey the signs that are on site.
• We collect yard waste curbside in clear plastic bags. Please keep lawn clippings/leaves separate from pine needles.
• The grass clippings and leaves that are collected are eventually turned into compost that is used as topsoil on our street projects.
• Brush can be cut to 4’ lengths, bundled and set curbside for collection throughout the year.
• We offer spring and fall brush cleanup weeks for larger amounts of brush.
  
  Stay tuned for announcements on the City of Merrill's website and Merrill Foto News for dates.