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

Stormwater Infrastructure: What Highway Departments Should Be Inspecting

June 19, 2025
Listed in Stormwater Management

Stormwater infrastructure plays a crucial role in protecting roads, the environment, and nearby communities from flooding, erosion, and water pollution. For highway and public works departments, regular inspection of these systems isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for compliance with environmental regulations and for preventing costly failures. Here's a breakdown of the key components that should be on every department’s stormwater inspection radar. 1. Catch Basins a…continue

Top 5 Budget Pitfalls for Small Highway Departments

June 19, 2025
Listed in Administration

Managing a highway department on a limited municipal budget is a balancing act. Every dollar counts, and even small mistakes can ripple across your entire fiscal year. Whether you’re a seasoned superintendent or newly appointed, recognizing these common budget pitfalls can help your department stretch its resources and avoid financial headaches down the road. 1. Neglecting Preventive Maintenance It’s easy to delay maintenance when the budget is tight, but that short-term savings can …continue