"How Many Stop Signs Do We Have?" Why Every Highway Department Needs an Asset Management System

July 16, 2026

If you're responsible for a municipal highway department, sooner or later someone is going to ask you a question you can't answer. Not because you're unqualified. Not because you're disorganized. Simply because no one has ever taken the time to collect the information. You inherited the problem from whoever previously occupied your office, but you're the one who looks bad. Imagine sitting in a town board meeting when the supervisor turns to you and asks: "How many stop s…continue

Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Why Every Stormwater Asset Should Be in Your Asset Management System

July 16, 2026

Stormwater infrastructure is easy to forget because, when it's working properly, most people never notice it. Culverts quietly carry water beneath roads. Catch basins collect runoff before it floods intersections. Drywells accept stormwater and allow it to infiltrate into the surrounding soil. These assets perform their jobs silently for decades. That is, unless they're forgotten and not maintained. I was reminded of that recently after a heavy rainstorm. I have an odd habit of hopping i…continue

Why Every Highway Department Should Track Potholes

July 13, 2026

Every highway department fills potholes. It's one of those jobs that never truly ends and, put plainly, potholes are a massive pain in the ass. As soon as you think you've caught up, another freeze-thaw cycle, heavy rain, or overloaded truck creates a fresh crop of pavement failures that demand attention. Because pothole repair is such a routine task, many departments simply fix them and move on. Once the hole is filled, the paperwork ends. In my opinion, that's a missed opportunity.…continue

Why Asset Management Systems Help You Make Data-Driven Decisions

October 31, 2025

Because "I just know" isn’t a budget strategy. Every highway superintendent or public works director has faced that awkward moment in a budget meeting, sitting across from the board, being told to “justify” why you need another $100,000 for paving, or a new truck, or an extra crew member. And all you’ve got in your folder is a few copied invoices and some handwritten notes. You know what needs to be done, but without solid data, your argument sounds like an opin…continue

Essential Sign Data Every Highway Department Should Track

June 5, 2025

For highway departments striving to stay compliant, organized, and legally protected, keeping accurate and up-to-date records of traffic signs is critical. Signs are among the most visible and most litigated assets on the road. To ensure accountability, safety, and compliance with federal and state standards, highway departments must maintain a basic dataset for every sign in their network. While some asset management platforms offer advanced features, even a simple system should be able to reta…continue