Sign Inspections: A Key Component of Your MUTCD-Mandated Sign Maintenance Program

August 26, 2025
Listed in Administration

Every municipality is responsible for maintaining traffic signs in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). While most superintendents recognize the importance of installing the correct signs in the correct locations, the job doesn’t end there. Signs are only effective if they remain visible, legible, and reflective - day or night. That’s where a systematic program of sign inspections becomes an essential part of your department’s maintenance strat…continue

Why Every Public Works Department Needs a Data-Driven Paving Plan

August 9, 2025
Listed in Administration

Across the country, many public works superintendents still choose their annual paving lists using a method that’s as informal as it is risky: they simply “know” which roads look bad and need work. While decades of experience have value, this approach, often referred to as paving by the seat of your pants, has major flaws. When decisions aren’t supported by objective measurements, clear records, and multi-year projections, you open the door to criticism from taxpayers, re…continue

Battery-Disconnect Switches: The Low-Cost Lifesaver Your Fleet Cannot Ignore

July 31, 2025
Listed in Daily Tasks

Losing a public works department’s front-line fleet is a gut punch on every level: the price tag alone is staggering, with each modern plow truck now ringing in at $250,000 - $300,000, and lead-time bottlenecks mean replacements ordered today may not roll onto the lot for 12 to 18 months. While crews wait, snow and ice don’t; without those trucks the department can’t clear roads, patch potholes, or haul materials, leaving residents stranded and critical services - police, fire,…continue

Understanding Developer Maintenance Bonds

July 12, 2025
Listed in Administration

When a subdivision, commercial park, or other private development turns public improvements, streets, sidewalks, water and storm-sewer lines, over to the municipality, the job isn't truly “finished.” Most cities and towns require the developer to post a maintenance bond (sometimes called a “warranty bond”) that guarantees those new assets will remain free of construction-related defects for a set period, typically one to two years after final acceptance. (Schmalz &…continue

Proper Sign Installation on Rural Highways

July 12, 2025
Listed in Highway Safety

Quick-reference guide for rural roads Why placement matters Driver safety & liability - Wrongly placed signs can block sight-lines, be struck by vehicles, or fail to give drivers enough time to react. Compliance - The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is adopted as law in most states; non-compliance exposes the agency to tort claims. Operations - Correct offsets keep signs out of the snow-plow path, ease mowing, and reduce knock-downs. Lateral offset - how far from the roadwa…continue