“We Don’t Keep Records on That” Can Cost You

July 9, 2025
Listed in Daily Tasks

A practical guide to defensible record-keeping for highway departments When a state auditor, insurance adjuster, or opposing attorney asks for documentation, there is only one safe answer: “Certainly, here it is.” Anything less invites financial penalties, lost grant funding, or courtroom defeat. Municipal highway departments, especially lean, understaffed ones, often juggle thousands of small decisions a year. Without a systematic approach to records, proving those decisions were re…continue

What Now? - When a Brand-New Development’s Stormwater System Fails

July 2, 2025
Listed in Administration

The scenario is this: a new development is constructed in your town with engineered plans, and all of the stormwater infrastructure was properly inspected and installed as per expectations. Everything appears satisfactory, the homes are built and and the new residents are moving in. Awhile later, after a heavy rain, it becomes obvious that the stormwater management system designed for the development is wholly inadequate, as it is not capable of handling the amount of rain being received. The ca…continue

A Deep Dive into Pavement Condition Index - PCI

June 29, 2025
Listed in Road Maintenance

How highway departments objectively measure roadway health, and turn numbers into smarter maintenance decisions What the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) actually is The Pavement Condition Index is a numerical score (0–100) that expresses the structural and functional health of an asphalt or concrete surface. It was formalized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970s and is now codified in ASTM D6433. Because the method is standardized, a PCI of 72 in Vermont means the same thing as …continue

Why Up-to-Date Safety-Training Records Are Non-Negotiable for Highway Departments

June 29, 2025
Listed in Daily Tasks

Highway departments operate in some of the most hazardous working environments in local government. From flagging live traffic to repairing culverts in confined spaces, every shift introduces new risks. Because of this, documenting, and regularly updating, employee safety training is not just a bureaucratic exercise; it is a critical shield against costly liability, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. A Paper Trail That Proves Due Diligence If a worker is injured and litigation follows, t…continue

Why Highway Superintendents Must Respond Promptly to Emails and Voicemails

June 28, 2025
Listed in Daily Tasks

In the world of public works, communication isn’t a luxury - it’s a duty. Highway superintendents are responsible not only for maintaining safe and functional roads but also for keeping the public informed and reassured. When calls and emails from residents, contractors, or town officials go unanswered, trust erodes, small problems can escalate into crises, and the department’s credibility suffers. Here’s why prompt communication matters: Public Safety and Service Quality…continue