The Superintendent's Desk

Municipal Road Management Insights and Highway Department Best Practices

Managing Stormwater Assets with Confidence: Inside the Roadwurx Drainage Module

Managing Stormwater Assets with Confidence: Inside the Roadwurx Drainage Module

June 14, 2025
Listed in Roadwurx Features

Proper stormwater management is critical for every community, yet keeping track of scattered drains, culverts, dry wells, and other installations can be a constant challenge. Roadwurx simplifies the entire process with a purpose-built Stormwater Drainage module designed to help your department capture accurate asset data and find it again when you need it most. Instead of relying on paper files, outdated spreadsheets, or the memories of long-retired staff, Roadwurx gives you a single, organized …continue

Why Every Highway Department Needs Written Policies

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

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

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

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


Highway Department Asset Management System