Rain Or Shine, This Clayton Crew Keeps The Town Moving

CLAYTON, N.C. – In Clayton, it’s easy to see how everything is connected. Streets, sidewalks, and signs help people move through town each day.

Behind the scenes, the Town’s Public Works team, especially the Streets Division, keeps those connections in place. Whether repairing potholes or building sidewalks, their work helps neighbors get to parks, schools, and local spots safely and with ease.

Street Maintenance Superintendent AJ Simmons is part of the team doing that work every day. After years of public service, he came to Clayton to be closer to his family while continuing to serve a community he cares about. Today, he leads a crew that responds to concerns, plans projects, and keeps work moving forward safely and efficiently.

For Simmons, the job reaches beyond pavement and repairs. It’s rooted in people and purpose. “I want my son to be able to look around one day and say, ‘My dad helped build that,’” said Simmons. That sense of legacy shapes how he approaches his work and the mark he hopes to leave in the community.

Public Works is woven into daily life, even when it’s not top of mind. “It includes everything you use but don’t pay attention to,” said Simmons. The Streets Division takes on a wide range of responsibilities, from sidewalks and signage to stormwater and tree maintenance, all helping keep Clayton safe and running as it should.

That work can be felt in simple, meaningful ways. New sidewalks, for example, connect neighborhoods to parks and shared spaces, making it easier for families to spend time outside. “You can walk from your home to the park, let your kids run and play, and not worry as much,” shared Simmons. “That kind of access makes a big difference for families.” These improvements support not only movement, but also health, safety, and overall quality of life.

Each project relies on strong teamwork. Public Works staff coordinate closely across departments, especially when efforts overlap, like restoring roads after utility work. Simmons also stays hands-on – visiting sites, checking conditions, and stepping in to help when needed.

Clear communication is another key part of the job. Simmons says taking time to listen and explain helps build trust with residents. “It’s not personal,” he said. “If something’s wrong at your home and you don’t have information, you’d be frustrated too. So, we make sure people know what’s going on and what we’re going to do.”

Public Works professionals work helps make Clayton a place people can rely on every day.