Why Every Highway Department Needs Written Policies

June 13, 2025
Listed in Administration

Running a highway department without written policies is like building a road without a blueprint. Eventually, you will hit potholes. A clear set of written policies provides structure, consistency, and legal protection for both the department and the municipality it serves. Yet, too many highway departments operate with “unwritten rules” or rely on practices that are passed down verbally. This may work for a time, but when leadership changes, disputes arise, or legal questions surfa…continue

How Stormwater Management Reduces the Need for Road Maintenance

June 10, 2025
Listed in Stormwater Management

Stormwater management is one of the most effective tools municipalities can use to protect their road infrastructure and stretch maintenance budgets. Too often, the relationship between drainage and pavement longevity is overlooked , but the presence of standing water on or near a roadway is one of the primary causes of accelerated road deterioration. This article explains how water affects roads, why good stormwater management is essential, and how investing in drainage can reduce the long-term…continue

Using Check Dams to Control Water Flow and Erosion in Roadside Ditches

June 6, 2025
Listed in Stormwater Management

For highway departments, managing water flow in roadside ditches is an essential part of maintaining road integrity and protecting the surrounding environment. One effective tool in the erosion control toolbox is the check dam - a small, temporary or permanent structure built across a ditch to slow water velocity, reduce erosion, and trap sediment. Depending on the situation, different types of check dams can be used. Here’s a rundown of the most common options: Rock Check Dams Description…continue

Mowing and Vegetation Control for Driver Visibility

June 6, 2025
Listed in Highway Safety

Keeping roadsides clear and safe goes beyond pavement maintenance. Mowing and vegetation control are essential tasks that help ensure driver visibility and overall roadway safety. Overgrown grass, brush, and tree limbs can obstruct sightlines, block traffic signs, and hide hazards from motorists. A well-planned vegetation management program improves safety, protects infrastructure, and helps your highway department stay in compliance with local and state standards. Why Visibility Matters Driver …continue

Which Signs Need to Be Assessed for Retroreflectivity and Which Do Not

June 6, 2025
Listed in Highway Safety

Highway departments are responsible for maintaining traffic signs so they remain visible and legible to motorists, day and night. A key part of this responsibility is ensuring that signs maintain adequate retroreflectivity, or the ability to reflect light from vehicle headlights back to drivers at night. But not every sign on the roadside is subject to retroreflectivity assessment requirements. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) provides clear guidance on which signs must be m…continue