Why Highway Departments Sometimes Fix Things That Aren’t “Their Responsibility”

June 9, 2026

One of the most common questions asked of highway and public works departments is, “Who is responsible for this?” In many cases, the answer seems straightforward. The municipality maintains the public road, while homeowners and property owners are responsible for their own private property and infrastructure. In reality, things are often far more complicated. Highway departments regularly find themselves dealing with infrastructure, drainage problems, safety hazards, and property dam…continue

Who Is Responsible for the Sidewalks in Your Town?

June 7, 2026

Ask ten residents who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks in their town and you may receive ten different answers. Some assume the municipality handles everything. Others believe the adjacent property owner is fully responsible. In reality, sidewalk responsibility is often far more complicated than most people realize. In many communities, sidewalk ownership, maintenance, snow removal, repair responsibilities, and legal liability are divided among multiple parties. These responsibilities ma…continue

Why Sidewalk Inspections Matter

June 7, 2026

Sidewalks are among the most heavily used pieces of public infrastructure in any community. Residents rely on them every day for walking, jogging, accessing businesses, reaching schools, and connecting to transit systems. Yet despite their importance, sidewalks are often overlooked until someone trips, falls, or files a complaint. Regular sidewalk inspections help municipalities identify hazards early, prioritize repairs, reduce liability exposure, and improve accessibility for all users. A stru…continue

Why Every Highway Department Needs a Written Mailbox Replacement Policy

May 9, 2026

Few things create complaints during winter faster than damaged mailboxes. Every snow season, highway and public works departments receive calls from angry residents claiming that snowplows destroyed their mailbox. Some complaints involve mailboxes physically struck by plow equipment, while others involve boxes damaged by the force of heavy snow discharged from the plow blade. Without a clear written policy, mailbox complaints can quickly become inconsistent, emotional, politically charged, and d…continue