Which Signs Need to Be Assessed for Retroreflectivity and Which Do Not

June 6, 2025
Listed in Highway Safety

Highway departments are responsible for maintaining traffic signs so they remain visible and legible to motorists, day and night. A key part of this responsibility is ensuring that signs maintain adequate retroreflectivity, or the ability to reflect light from vehicle headlights back to drivers at night. But not every sign on the roadside is subject to retroreflectivity assessment requirements. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) provides clear guidance on which signs must be m…continue

Protecting Watershed Health: A Key Responsibility of Highway Departments

June 5, 2025
Listed in Stormwater Management

Highway departments do more than just plow snow and patch potholes - they are stewards of the environment, particularly when it comes to the health of local watersheds. Every culvert installed, ditch cleared, and storm drain maintained can have a significant impact on the water quality of streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands downstream. This makes watershed protection a fundamental responsibility of highway crews, especially in communities governed by MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) …continue

Essential Sign Data Every Highway Department Should Track

June 5, 2025
Listed in Asset Management

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

Understanding Retroreflectivity Assessment Methods in the MUTCD

June 5, 2025
Listed in Highway Safety

Maintaining safe and visible traffic signs is one of the most important responsibilities of any highway department. Over time, sign sheeting materials degrade, reducing their visibility at night. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requires that agencies maintain sign retroreflectivity at or above minimum levels. To help agencies comply, the MUTCD outlines several assessment methods, with two primary options being most commonly referenced: Visual Nighttime Inspection and Measur…continue

How to Select the Right Culvert for Natural Water Flow Under Roads

June 4, 2025
Listed in Stormwater Management

When a road intersects with a natural stream, brook, or drainage path, a properly sized culvert is essential for maintaining water flow and protecting both the roadway and surrounding environment. Undersized or poorly installed culverts can lead to flooding, erosion, road damage, or even failure. Here’s what you need to know about selecting the right size and type of culvert, and why reaching out to your local Soil and Water Conservation District office may be a smart first step. Why Prope…continue