The Work Ahead

The American Public Works Association (APWA) describes Public Works as “the combination of physical assets, management practices, policies, and personnel necessary for government to provide and sustain structures and services essential to welfare and acceptable quality of life for its citizens.”

Each year in May we join in celebrating Public Works Week. We celebrate the projects that serve communities and make them a better place, and we celebrate the people that make those projects happen. It is public works teams that believe in the future of their communities and the value of the work ahead. That know that it is not just work ahead, but great work ahead. It is work that improves our infrastructure, provides for our neighbors, and offers longstanding safety for our communities.

Public works teams make sure that road work ahead means the road will work ahead. That a bump in the road is an opportunity to pave a new one. And the journey to success is always under construction. From water to utilities to trash collection - public works teams know that there will always be work ahead. Because it is public works teams that create great places to live.

Since SSM’s inception almost 90 years ago, we have been a company that strives to make the world a better place. That’s why we have worked with public works employees, officials and administrators to design, manage, oversee, and engineer solutions. We are honored to have worked alongside public works professionals for many years, and to continue to join them in reaching goals, attaining success, and embarking on the work ahead.

Things You Should Know - Can you Read the Signs?

Workers Ahead

Flagger Ahead

Work Zone

Hard Hat Area

Test your knowledge- do you know all of these signs you may encounter while driving? It may have been a few years since your last driver’s test. Take this opportunity to re-acquaint yourself so you can do your part to ensure public works projects get done safely!

Workers Ahead

This sign is typically posted near areas of roadwork or construction (sometimes seen in white with a red border). If you encounter this sign, you should heed it as a warning and drive with caution. Prepare to be alert and slow down as well as increase your mindfulness of your surroundings. Often times this sign may also accompany reduced speed limits.

Flagger Ahead

This sign is also commonly referred to as “Road Construction Ahead.” This sign is to make you aware that there is a flagger controlling traffic ahead. Drivers should be prepared to follow the traffic signals given by an upcoming flagger. Often times these signals are indicated with either Stop or Slow panels, or red flags. Please be cautious when encountering a Flagger Ahead sign and be prepared to follow the adjusted traffic patterns.

Work Zone

Often times you will see work zone signs that are diamond-shaped and orange with black lettering. You may also encounter this sign that reminds you to turn on your headlights when driving through a work zone. This is true even if it’s day time and is the law for all posted work zones, active or not. You should always make sure to have your headlights on in a work zone, not only to avoid additional fines if pulled over- but to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers and especially to construction workers.

Hard Hat Area

While you may not encounter this sign while driving or traveling, we think it still worthwhile to mention. Hard Hat Area signs are posted in work areas where there is a potential risk of injury to the head. While these signs are often used and regulated for workers in the industry, they are an important reminder to be cautious and conscientious when near or approaching construction areas of all sorts. Remember that while construction projects may peak your curiosity, it is important to always keep your distance. Construction professionals are highly trained in workplace safety. Do not approach or enter areas of construction without authorized personnel to guide you and ensure your safe entry.

Supporting Public Works Initiatives

Township Road Projects

Utility Replacements

Water Main Replacement and Road Widening

Township Roads Project | This project included the rehabilitation of seven roads. The work included replacing 875 linear feet of corrugated metal pipe, the design of 2 ADA ramps, extensive base repair, partial and full-width milling (depending on the road) and bituminous overlay.

Road Bridge Project | SSM provided design, bidding and construction phases services for replacement of a 30’ span Township bridge using a prefabricated ConTech ConSpan Bridge System. Our services included project management, survey, roadway profile and reconstruction design, wetland study, utility coordination, obtaining PaDEP Chapter 105 General Permit and E&SCP approval from the MCCD, coordination with ConTech, coordination with geotechnical subconsultant for subsurface and foundation design analysis, preparing a detour plan, construction inspection and construction phase management.

Utility Replacement | SSM is providing engineering and field support to a Township for a variety of projects including replacement of water and sewer mains.

Trail Conversion | SSM provided field survey, preliminary design, final design, permitting, and technical specifications for the conversion of a portion of a road from a four-lane roadway to a two-lane roadway and a pedestrian/bicycle trail. The project included design of new vehicular medians, a trail separation median and ADA compliant curb ramps, along with signs and pavement markings. The project was prepared as a PennDOT project, due to funding, and included obtaining utility clearance and right of way clearance, as well as preparing Plans, Specifications & Estimates in the PennDOT ECMS format.

Water Main and Road Widening | SSM designed, bid and provided construction phase services for a critical link in this Township’s Water System allowing for a second water main crossing. The project included approximately 2000 LF of 12-inch water main and fire hydrants. As part of the project, SSM worked with the Township Public Works Staff and designed a road widening and repaving.

Infrastructure and Public Improvements | As the Township Engineer, SSM provides construction phase oversight for a number of concurrent large commercial and residential developments in this busy upscale community. SSM works in conjunction with Township staff to provide daily observation services for sanitary sewer, storm sewer, stormwater management, curb, paving, sidewalk and erosion and sediment controls construction.

The SSM Difference

We firmly believe that what truly makes us unique is not so much the range of services we provide, but the attitude with which we provide them.

First and foremost, we care about you. At SSM, we pride ourselves on becoming part of your team, part of your community and your trusted advisors. We strive every day and on every assignment to protect your interests, to respond to your needs, and to be part of your success.

We want our clients to experience success – their definition of success, not ours. When that means going the extra mile, we do it; when that means being available for a meeting, we’re available; when that means anticipating a need, we anticipate them.

Through our years of experience we have learned and developed proven standard approaches to many tasks that have been valuable for us and our clients. We balance that experience with an attitude of flexibility and service – a willingness to tailor ourselves to best meet community needs in the way they should be met

You will find this type of attitude throughout our staff. Our core values support our overall mission to enhance the quality of life for our clients, for our employees and for all of the people touched by the work that we do. These values include embracing creativity and innovation, encouraging individual passions and taking joint ownership of our clients’ success.

We pride ourselves in helping to bring community visions to life .