The Pros and Cons of Chip Sealing

May 14, 2025

Chip sealing, also known as tar and chip or seal coating, is a widely used method for maintaining and preserving road surfaces. It involves applying a layer of liquid asphalt to the existing pavement, followed by a layer of crushed stone that is rolled into place. While chip sealing can be a cost-effective solution for certain types of roads, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to help municipalities and highway departments make informed decisions. P…continue

Understanding the Pavement Condition Index (PCI): A Guide for Highway Superintendents

April 27, 2025

As a highway superintendent, one of your most important responsibilities is maintaining the quality and safety of your community’s road network. But how do you objectively measure the condition of your roads, prioritize repairs, and defend your budget requests with solid data? That’s where the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) comes in. The PCI is a standardized, numerical rating system used to evaluate the condition of paved roads. By learning how to properly assess and record PCI, sup…continue

Driving Towards Sustainability: The Importance of Roadway Preventative Maintenance

January 12, 2024

Roadway preventative maintenance is a proactive approach to preserving the condition and functionality of transportation infrastructure, ensuring safer, smoother, and more sustainable roadways. By addressing minor issues before they escalate into major problems, preventative maintenance not only extends the lifespan of roads but also reduces long-term costs and enhances the overall quality of the transportation network. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of roadway preventati…continue

Traffic Cone Usage

June 17, 2023

Road cones, also known as traffic cones or safety cones, are highly visible, cone-shaped markers that are used in various situations to manage and control traffic, improve safety, and indicate temporary hazards on roads and other public areas. Here are some common uses of road cones: Traffic Control: Road cones are often deployed to redirect traffic during construction or maintenance work on roads. They help guide vehicles and pedestrians safely around work zones and indicate changes in traffic …continue

Why Roads Fail Prematurely

December 24, 2018

In a perfect world, pavement would last forever. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Before deciding on the proper repair, we need to understand why there may be premature distresses. Before discussing why roads fail prematurely, we need to start with, “What is a road?” What is a Road? A road allows transportation from point A to B in all weather and traffic conditions. While a basic definition, this does not answer the question of why we build roads. Essentially, we build roads to …continue