Know Where You Stand: Understanding Right-of-Way Before You Dig

June 16, 2025

Before your crew drops the blade, rolls out the compactor, or breaks ground on that drainage fix, it’s critical to ask one key question: Are we within the town’s legal right-of-way (ROW)? Too often, highway departments rely on outdated assumptions or tax maps to determine where their legal boundaries lie. But here’s the hard truth: you can’t build, dig, or disturb land that falls outside the town’s deeded ROW without securing the proper easements. And doing so can l…continue

What Is Warm Mix Asphalt and Why Are Highway Departments Using It?

June 15, 2025

Most of us are familiar with hot mix asphalt (HMA), that classic blacktop you see being laid down on roads in summer heat, often steaming in the sun. But there’s another version gaining traction in the paving world: Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA). So, what is it? And why are more highway departments choosing it? What Is Warm Mix Asphalt? Warm Mix Asphalt is produced and applied at lower temperatures than traditional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). While HMA is typically mixed at around 280°F to 320°…continue

How to Estimate Hot Mix Asphalt for Road Paving

June 14, 2025

How to Estimate Hot Mix Asphalt for Road Paving For Highway Superintendents Shortcut to our hot mix calculator Accurately estimating how much hot mix asphalt (HMA) you’ll need to pave a section of road is key to staying on budget, reducing waste, and keeping your crew productive. Fortunately, the math is straightforward, and once you’ve got a system, it becomes second nature. Here’s how to do it step-by-step. 1. Measure the Area to Be Paved You’ll need to know: Length of …continue

PCI vs. Surface Condition: Two Ways to Evaluate Your Roads

June 4, 2025

When it comes to assessing road conditions, municipalities often turn to two main approaches: Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and Surface Condition Ratings. Both offer useful insights, but they serve different purposes and vary in complexity, time, and cost. Here's a breakdown to help you choose the right method for your highway department. Pavement Condition Index (PCI): A Detailed Look Beneath the Surface What is it? PCI is a standardized scoring system that evaluates the structural integri…continue

Grinding and Patching: When It’s Time to Do More Than Just Fill the Potholes

May 29, 2025

Sometimes a simple pothole patch just won’t cut it. Maybe the road is starting to look more like a patchwork quilt than a smooth surface. Maybe those same holes keep coming back, no matter how many times you’ve filled them. When that happens, it might be time to step up the game with grinding and patching. What Is Grinding and Patching? Grinding and patching is a more comprehensive repair process than just plugging potholes. It involves removing (grinding) the damaged surface layer o…continue