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Highway departments play a critical role in the safety, efficiency, and upkeep of our communities. But in too many cases, particularly in small towns, the methods used to maintain roads, drainage systems, signage, and other infrastructure have gone unchanged for decades. The phrase “we’ve always done it this way” still echoes through garages and town barns, often without anyone asking whether the old way is still the right way.
This mindset can hold departments back. In an industry where new materials, techniques, and technologies are constantly being developed, it's essential for highway department supervisors to actively seek out knowledge and stay current with best practices. Failing to do so not only risks wasting time and money; it can also jeopardize the safety of both workers and the traveling public.
Tradition vs. Best Practice
There is certainly value in experience and tradition. Many long-standing practices have stood the test of time for good reason. However, without comparing those methods to modern standards, supervisors may unknowingly continue using outdated, inefficient, or even unsafe procedures. Advancements in road building materials, snow and ice control methods, drainage solutions, and asset management technology offer substantial improvements over methods that were considered “state of the art” 30 years ago.
Simply put, what worked in 1995 isn’t necessarily the best, or even acceptable, approach today.
The Need for Continuous Learning
Supervisors should make it a personal and professional priority to seek ongoing education. This can take many forms:
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Attending industry conferences that present new technologies and methods.
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Participating in workshops and certification programs offered by state transportation agencies or professional organizations.
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Networking with other municipalities to learn about innovations that have been successfully implemented elsewhere.
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Subscribing to trade publications and keeping up with the latest research.
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Inviting experts to train their teams on new equipment, materials, or practices.
By staying educated, supervisors not only improve their own departments but also demonstrate leadership and forward thinking. They are better equipped to make smart, informed decisions that can save their towns money, improve the quality of work, and enhance public safety.
Moving Beyond "The Way It’s Always Been Done"
It takes courage to challenge old ways of doing things, especially in departments steeped in tradition. But leadership is about making things better, not simply maintaining the status quo. A supervisor who is willing to ask tough questions — "Is this still the best way?" "Is there a safer alternative?" "Can we stretch our budget further with new technology?" — is a supervisor who is truly serving their community.
Highway maintenance isn't just about patching potholes and plowing snow anymore. It's about asset management, environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility, worker safety, and public trust. And keeping pace with industry developments is not optional — it’s essential.
In addition to adopting new techniques out in the field, highway departments should also embrace modern software tools to streamline their operations behind the scenes. Asset management systems, fleet maintenance programs, and GPS tracking technology can significantly improve the way a department tracks inventory, schedules maintenance, monitors vehicle usage, and plans work. These tools reduce paperwork, improve accountability, and provide supervisors with real-time information that leads to smarter decision-making. Investing in the right software not only saves time and money but also allows departments to operate more efficiently, document their work more thoroughly, and better justify budget needs to town officials and taxpayers.
The world of highway maintenance is evolving. Materials, equipment, methods, and expectations are changing. Supervisors must be proactive in learning and adapting if they want their departments — and their communities — to thrive. Continuous education isn’t a luxury; it’s a responsibility. Every day offers an opportunity to learn something new that could make your department safer, more efficient, and more effective. Don't let tradition be the reason you fall behind.