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

Liability Risks from Poor Road Maintenance

June 25, 2025
Listed in Highway Safety

Why every highway department should treat potholes, faded striping, and clogged drains as potential lawsuit magnets 1 | The public-safety duty In every U.S. state, the agency that owns or controls a roadway has a non-delegable duty to keep it “reasonably safe for travel.” Courts have said this duty applies to both design and maintenance. New York’s Court of Appeals, for example, reaffirmed that principle in Turturro v. City of New York and similar cases, adding that the duty co…continue

When to Mill a Road Before Repaving: A Guide for Highway Departments

June 24, 2025
Listed in Road Maintenance

Overlaying an existing road with a fresh layer of asphalt is a common and cost-effective maintenance technique. However, there comes a point when adding yet another layer without milling (grinding) the surface first can lead to more harm than good. Milling is the process of removing a portion, or all, of the existing pavement before laying new asphalt. This article explains how to recognize when it’s time to mill and why milling may be necessary before repaving. Why Milling May Be Necessar…continue

How to Spot Signs of Illicit Discharges in Stormwater

June 19, 2025
Listed in Stormwater Management

Stormwater systems are designed to carry rainwater; not wastewater, chemicals, or other pollutants. When something other than rain or snowmelt ends up in the storm drains, it's called an illicit discharge, and it can cause serious harm to local waterways, ecosystems, and even public health. For highway departments, especially those operating under MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) requirements, being able to identify signs of illicit discharge is essential. Here’s what to loo…continue