Roads

The Roads Division of the DPW is responsible for maintaining over 180 lane miles of City streets and rights-of-way. Our work includes plowing and salting, patching potholes, and replacing asphalt and concrete on all city-owned roadways when appropriate.

The division is also responsible for ensuring proper drainage of roadways, clearing catch basins, grading gravel roads, and creating traffic signs. Additionally, the Fleet & Roads Division provides maintenance on all city-owned vehicles to ensure safety and optimized reliability.

Have a concern or an issue with a roadway?

Our roadways are very unique within Auburn Hills. This means that ownership of the road might not necessarily be ours even if it is within our city limits. You can check to see which organization manages your roadway of concern within Auburn Hills city limits by clicking here!

Snow Removal Response

The City promptly begins salting and plowing major roads as soon as snow starts to accumulate, focusing on hills, curves, intersections, and school entry roads first. Residential streets will be cleared once major and local roads are finished.

In response to rising salt costs and environmental concerns, the DPW has adjusted its salting practices. Now, salt will be applied primarily at subdivision entrances, major hills and curves, and school bus routes. After the initial application, the DPW will monitor conditions and traffic effects for 24 hours before applying additional salt if necessary. This new approach aims to be environmentally responsible while minimizing traffic impact.

Pothole Reporting

Potholes develop when rain or snowmelt seeps into the road surface. As temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, causing the road surface to lift. When temperatures rise and the ice melts, the ground settles but the surface remains elevated, creating a gap. Vehicles driving over this gap cause the road surface to break, forming a pothole.