Public Works Week in Review for May 8, 2025

The Public Works Department is made up of various sub-departments including Fleet, Line Repair, Streets/Stormwater and Traffic, Wastewater, and Water. Each week, over 100 employees are responsible for the maintenance, monitoring, and improvement of existing and new infrastructure across League City which includes everything from roadways and traffic lights to storm drains, sewers, and water production.

Below are some tips and projects they are working on:

School Zone Flasher Improvements

As part of a multi-year Capital Improvement Project, the Traffic & Transportation Department staff are replacing school zone flashers across the city-many of which are more than 20 years old. These upgrades will bring all flashers up to current standards and equip them with the latest technology.

The new school zone flashers will integrate with modern navigation systems, including WAZE and the Travel Safely app found pre-installed in some in-vehicle systems. Once in place, drivers will receive real-time alerts when entering a school zone and will be notified if they are speeding within those zones.

This effort will significantly improve driver awareness, enhance student safety, and modernize our infrastructure to meet today's needs.

Rubber Track Replacement on a Bobcat T770

The Bobcat T770 is a high-performance compact track loader designed for heavy-duty applications. It is suitable for grading, excavation, and material handling tasks. The City of League City's Street Department Bobcat was due for service. While here, Fleet used the opportunity to replace the rubber tracks and the rear door. Replacing the tracks is a moderate to advanced task.

First, you will need to lift the machine and secure it. You will then locate the track-tension grease fitting inside the undercarriage. Use a grease gun to relieve tension by unscrewing the zerk fitting or pressing the tension release valve. This pushes grease out and allows the idler to retract. Now it's time to remove the old track using a pry bar. You may need to rotate the track slightly to work it off.

Then, position the new track around the rear idler. The pry bar can guide the track over the front idler. Make sure to add grease in the zerk fittings and tighten the track. Now you can remove the jack stands and lower. Be sure to check the alignment and tension once on the ground. Repeat on the other side. The unit was returned to the department for daily use.

Black Swallowtail Caterpillar:

• This caterpillar is the larva of the Black Swallowtail Butterfly
• Caterpillars are green with black bands and yellow spots and grow to 2 inches long
• DOESN'T sting or bite
• Host plants for this caterpillar are Carrot, Parsley, Dill, Fennel, and Rue

Check out the following website for more information on Black Swallowtail Caterpillars: https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/lepidoptera/black-swallowtail/

Fig. 1: Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

Fig. 2: Black Swallowtail Butterfly