Safety
Why Your Crew Needs Proper Flagging Training
When it comes to road work, setting up cones and waving a flag might seem like the simplest part of the job, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. As a highway superintendent, you already know that your team’s safety and the traveling public’s safety depends on well-run work zones. And the person on the flag line is often the first (and only) thing separating your crew from oncoming traffic. Yet too often, flagging gets treated as an afterthought. Maybe a new hire is thrown out there to “help with traffic” without any real training. Maybe an experienced crew member thinks they know the drill but hasn’t taken a refresher course in years. That’s a recipe for risk. Why Proper Flagging Training Matters ✅ Flaggers control the entire work zone. Poor flagging can cause accidents, driver confusion, or even expose your crew to unsafe conditions. A properly trained flagger knows how to communicate clearly and consistently to keep everyone safe. ✅ They are the face of your department. To motorists, the flagger is the highway department. A professional, calm, and visible flagger projects a sense of order, and reduces the chance of road rage or unsafe behavior by impatient drivers. ✅ Work zones are dangerous by nature. Every year, flaggers are injured or killed in work zones across the country. High-speed traffic, distracted drivers, and limited sight distances create hazards even in the best conditions. Training helps flaggers know where to stand, how to stay alert, and what to do in an emergency. ✅ It’s a legal and liability issue. In many states, flaggers must be certified through an approved training program. If an accident happens and it turns out your flagger wasn’t trained or certified, you and your town could face serious liability. What Training Should Include Understanding proper flagging signals (STOP, SLOW, proceed with caution) Proper positioning in and around the work zone Using the right safety gear (vests, paddles, radios) Communication and teamwork with other crew members Emergency procedures and handling difficult drivers Make It Standard Practice If your department doesn’t already have a formal flagger training policy, it’s time to implement one. Many DOTs and safety organizations offer inexpensive certification courses. Make sure everyone who might flag traffic, even for short-term or “quick” jobs, gets trained and refreshed regularly. And remind your crew: Flagging isn’t a punishment or a rookie assignment. It’s a skilled job that deserves respect and careful attention. At the end of the day, you want every member of your team going home safe, and you want the public to pass through your work zones without incident. Solid flagger training is one simple, essential way to help make that happen.
Environmental
MS4 Basics for Highway Supers
What You Need to Know About Stormwater Regulations If you’ve been hearing more about “MS4” lately, you’re not alone. Across the country, more municipalities and highway departments are being pulled into MS4 permit programs. If you’re a highway superintendent, it pays to understand what it means, and how it affects your department. Here’s a quick rundown of the basics: What is MS4? MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. It refers to the system of roadside ditches, culverts, storm drains, and pipes that collect stormwater runoff and send it, untreated, to local streams, rivers, and lakes. In short: it’s the drainage system we build and maintain to move water away from roads and developed areas. Why the Regulations? Here’s the issue: when rain runs off roads, parking lots, and construction sites, it picks up pollutants; oils, fertilizers, sediment, litter, and more. If we don’t manage this runoff properly, those pollutants end up in our waterways. The EPA and state environmental agencies require communities with MS4s to follow rules that help reduce this pollution. These rules are spelled out in an MS4 Permit. Who Needs an MS4 Permit? Generally, if your town or city is in an urbanized area, or if it’s growing fast, you may be required to comply with MS4 regulations. Many smaller towns are now being included. What Does the MS4 Permit Require? As a highway department, you don’t have to manage the entire MS4 program. Your town board or engineer typically oversees that. But your department plays a big role in complying with several parts of it. Here’s what matters to you: 1️⃣ Public Education & Outreach You may be asked to help spread the word about proper stormwater practices. Think signs at public works facilities or community clean-up days. 2️⃣ Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination You’ll likely be asked to help monitor ditches and pipes for illicit discharges, things like wastewater or chemical dumping that shouldn’t be in the storm system. If you spot one, report it! 3️⃣ Construction Site Runoff Control If your crew or contractors disturb more than an acre of land, you’ll need erosion and sediment controls in place, such as silt fences, check dams, seeding, etc. 4️⃣ Post-Construction Stormwater Management Some permanent controls, like rain gardens, detention ponds, or infiltration trenches, might be required in new developments. You may end up maintaining these features. 5️⃣ Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations This is the big one for highway supers: your own operations matter. The MS4 permit often requires: Proper salt storage Street sweeping where applicable Training crews to prevent spills Proper handling of equipment wash water Keeping maintenance yards tidy and contained In short: keeping pollutants out of the drainage system, starting with your own shop and fleet. Why It Matters Even if this feels like just another layer of paperwork, there are good reasons behind it: Cleaner waterways benefit your community Avoiding fines and penalties keeps the town out of trouble Well-maintained ditches and drains help protect your roads from erosion and damage And honestly, once you get good practices in place, staying in compliance isn’t that hard. Final Tips for Highway Supers Talk to your MS4 Coordinator - every town has one (often the engineer). Ask where you can help. Train your crew - they need to know what’s expected. Document what you do - simple records can help prove compliance. Keep an eye out - you’re out in the field more than anyone. Spot problems early. MS4 may sound bureaucratic, but it comes down to this: Don’t let pollutants wash off your roads into the nearest stream. Good drainage work is already a core part of your job. MS4 just adds a few more things to watch for.
Core Operations
How Cold Is Too Cold for Rock Salt?
When the snow starts falling, rock salt (sodium chloride) is the go-to weapon for most highway departments trying to keep roads safe and passable. But like any tool, rock salt has its limits, and knowing when it stops being effective can save you time, money, and a lot of wasted effort. Let’s break it down. The Basics: How Rock Salt Works Rock salt works by lowering the freezing point of water. Instead of ice forming at 32°F (0°C), a brine created by salt can stay liquid at much lower temperatures, helping to break the bond between ice and pavement. But the colder it gets, the less effective this process becomes, because the salt needs some moisture to make that brine. If it’s too cold, not enough melting occurs to keep the reaction going. Effective Temperature Range Best performance: 20°F to 32°F (-6°C to 0°C) Salt works quickly and efficiently here. Marginal performance: 10°F to 20°F (-12°C to -6°C) Melting slows down, and you’ll need to apply more salt to get results. Poor performance: Below 10°F (-12°C) Salt is barely effective. You’re mostly wasting material and money. At 0°F (-18°C) and lower, salt is pretty much done. It won’t reliably melt ice unless traffic and sunlight help create just enough brine to make a difference, and that’s a long shot. How Much Ice Will a Pound of Salt Melt? Here’s where it gets interesting. As the temperature drops, salt’s ability to melt ice takes a nosedive: Temperature (°F) Pounds of ice melted per pound of salt 30°F ~46 lbs 25°F ~14 lbs 20°F ~8 lbs 15°F ~6 lbs 10°F ~4 lbs 0°F Less than 1 lb — practically ineffective As you can see, what works great at 30°F turns almost useless at 0°F. That’s why it’s critical to adjust your deicing strategy based on the forecast. What Should You Do When It’s Too Cold? Pre-treat: If a cold snap is coming, applying salt early while temperatures are still in the effective range can help prevent bonding. Supplement: When it gets below 15°F, consider blending salt with materials like calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, which work at lower temperatures. Switch tactics: Sand can provide traction when chemical melting isn’t an option. Rock salt is an affordable, reliable deicer, but only when used at the right temperatures. Understanding its limitations helps you make smart choices, avoid waste, and keep your roads safer through all kinds of winter weather.
Management & Administration
Recruiting for the Highway Department: It’s Not All About the Paycheck
Let’s be honest, recruiting good people for highway department jobs isn’t getting any easier. You’re often competing with private contractors who can offer higher wages, especially when it comes to drivers with a Class B CDL in their pocket. Civil servant pay? It’s not exactly going to make the top of the Best Jobs in America list. But here’s the thing: municipal jobs come with some serious perks - if you know how to sell them. Sell the Big Picture Sure, your starting hourly rate may not match what the paving crew down the road is offering, but your job package is more than just the hourly wage. When you’re recruiting, focus on the whole picture: State retirement system - This is a big one. Private contractors don’t typically offer a pension. For someone thinking long term, that matters. Good benefits - Health insurance, dental, vision - and usually at a lower cost to the employee than what private companies can provide. Consistent hours - Most highway department jobs offer steady, Monday-through-Friday work, with the occasional call-outs. That beats chasing hours week to week. Seasonal overtime - Snow season may be a grind, but it also means a nice bump in the paycheck when the OT kicks in. Job security - Let’s face it, you really have to mess up to lose a municipal job. For folks looking for stability, that’s a huge selling point. Target the Right People Trying to lure someone already making $10/hour more running an asphalt plant might be a losing battle. Instead: Look for young CDL drivers just getting started - they might value benefits and stability more than chasing top pay. Retirees from private industry - Some folks are looking to ease into semi-retirement but still want to work. Your consistent schedule and benefits can be attractive. Local hires - People living in your town may appreciate working close to home and serving their own community. Build Your Reputation One of the best recruitment tools is word of mouth. If your department is known as a good place to work, fair leadership, decent equipment, safe practices, you’ll attract better candidates. On the flip side, if your current crew is miserable, word spreads fast and your candidate pool dries up. You probably won’t win the wage war with the private sector. But not everyone is chasing the highest paycheck. Many people are looking for a balanced life, long-term security, and a solid benefits package. Sell what you have, run a good department, and you’ll find the right people to keep your roads safe and in good shape.
Environmental
Slow It Down: Using Check Dams to Control Water Flow in Ditches
For any highway department, managing water flow in roadside ditches is a key part of keeping roads in good shape and protecting nearby land. One simple but powerful tool for the job? The check dam. Check dams are small structures, temporary or permanent, built across a ditch to slow water down, reduce erosion, and trap sediment. They’re a great way to help keep ditches from washing out or dumping silt where it doesn’t belong. Depending on what you’re dealing with, there are a few different types of check dams to choose from. Here’s a quick rundown: Rock Check Dams What they are: Built from riprap or other sturdy stone. Good for: ✔️ High-flow ditches ✔️ Steep slopes ✔️ Places where you need long-lasting durability Pros: ✅ Built to last ✅ Handles fast-moving water well ✅ Can take multiple big storm events Things to keep in mind: ⚠️ Higher up-front cost ⚠️ Must be sized and placed correctly to avoid upstream flooding 🌲 Log or Timber Check Dams What they are: Made from logs, timber planks, or treated lumber. Good for: ✔️ Rural or forested areas ✔️ Low-to-moderate flow ditches ✔️ Temporary construction projects Pros: ✅ Materials often easy to find locally ✅ Affordable for short-term use Things to keep in mind: ⚠️ Not ideal for high-flow or permanent use unless engineered carefully ⚠️ Wood can rot over time 🌾 Straw Bale Check Dams What they are: Straw bales staked across the ditch. Good for: ✔️ Small construction sites ✔️ Low-flow ditches ✔️ Short-term use Pros: ✅ Cheap and simple to install ✅ Great for sediment control on short projects Things to keep in mind: ⚠️ Breaks down fast—needs replacing often ⚠️ Won’t hold up in high-flow or long-term situations 🧵 Silt Fence Check Dams What they are: Silt fence fabric stretched across the ditch. Good for: ✔️ Very low-flow ditches ✔️ Construction sites ✔️ Controlling sediment during development Pros: ✅ Quick and easy to put in ✅ Works well for trapping sediment Things to keep in mind: ⚠️ Can’t handle large volumes of water ⚠️ Can fail if flow gets too high 🌀 Fiber Roll (Wattle) Check Dams What they are: Tubes filled with straw, coir, or synthetic material and staked in place. Good for: ✔️ Low to moderate flow ditches ✔️ Stabilizing new slopes or ditch lines ✔️ Ditches where you’re planning to establish vegetation Pros: ✅ Flexible and easy to install ✅ Biodegradable options available ✅ Helps promote plant growth for long-term stability Things to keep in mind: ⚠️ Not suited for steep or high-flow channels ⚠️ Needs regular inspection and upkeep Picking the Right One Choosing the best check dam depends on a few things: How much water you’re dealing with (high flow vs. low flow) The slope of the ditch How long you need it (temporary vs. permanent) Your budget Any environmental concerns Sometimes, using more than one type makes sense. For example, fiber rolls or silt fences can work great during construction, while you install rock check dams for long-term control. Bottom line: slowing water down is key to keeping your ditches (and roads) in good shape. Check dams are a simple tool that can make a big difference.
Environmental
Simple Methods of Erosion Control in Stormwater Management
If your crew is responsible for any drainage work, or if you’re managing roads or ditches, you’re also in the erosion control business, whether you realize it or not. Left unchecked, erosion can turn small problems into big ones: clogged culverts, failing shoulders, sediment-laden streams, and unhappy regulatory agencies. Luckily, you don’t need fancy equipment or a massive budget to stay ahead of it. Here are some tried-and-true simple methods of erosion control that just about any highway crew can implement: Grass is Your Friend One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent erosion is to maintain vegetative cover. Grass slows down runoff, helps water soak in, and holds soil in place with its roots. When you finish a ditching project or repair an embankment, reseed it as soon as possible. Don’t leave bare soil exposed longer than necessary. Use erosion control blankets or straw mulch if needed to help the grass get established. Rock Armor (Riprap) For spots where fast-moving water threatens to scour out soil, like around culvert outlets or along steep ditch sections, consider installing riprap. This is just a fancy term for placing large rocks where they’ll break up flow and protect the soil underneath. You don’t need a whole quarry; strategically placing rock in problem areas can go a long way toward keeping water from carving away your work. Silt Fences and Straw Bales When you’re working on a project and disturbing soil, keep sediment from washing into nearby water bodies with temporary controls like silt fences or straw bales. These simple barriers slow down runoff and trap sediment, buying time for vegetation to establish or for permanent stabilization to take hold. Just remember to inspect and maintain them, clogged or damaged silt fences won’t do much good. Check Dams If you’ve got long or steep ditch runs, small check dams made of stone, logs, or even sandbags can slow water down. This reduces its erosive force and gives sediment a chance to settle out. These don’t need to be permanent features. Install them during construction or after ditching to protect the soil until grass cover comes in. Pay Attention to Runoff Paths Finally, sometimes the best erosion control is simply directing water where you want it to go. Use grading and shaping to encourage sheet flow (spread-out flow) instead of concentrated channels. Avoid creating low spots that will concentrate runoff and start cutting gullies. Erosion control doesn’t have to be complicated. A little planning, some well-placed grass seed or rock, and a few simple barriers can save you big headaches down the road. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to protect water quality and keep the regulators happy. Next time your crew is out working on a drainage job or road project, ask yourself: what simple steps can we take today to keep erosion in check tomorrow?
Core Operations
Are You Ready for the Unexpected?
No matter how many years you’ve been in this line of work, one thing remains true: the road will always find a way to surprise you. One day everything’s running smooth; the next, a plow’s buried to its axles in a snowbank, a backhoe is on its side in a ditch, or your only salt spreader decides it’s the perfect moment to quit. When the unexpected hits, how ready are you to respond? Think Through the “What Ifs” It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, patching potholes, clearing culverts, mowing shoulders, and assume things will keep rolling along. But take a few minutes and ask yourself: If a snowplow gets stuck in the middle of a storm, do you have a backup plan? Who can you call for help? If a piece of equipment rolls over, do your crew members know the proper steps to take? Do you have the right recovery gear? If a vital machine breaks down on a Saturday night, can you get it fixed or bring in a replacement quickly? Build Some Cushion Into Your Resources No highway department has unlimited budgets - we get it. But there are ways to build resilience: Mutual aid agreements: Neighboring towns can be lifesavers when your own equipment is down. Equipment sharing: Having a network where you can borrow or rent machinery on short notice can keep things moving. Training: Make sure your team knows what to do in a rollover or equipment failure. Practice recovery scenarios now, not during an emergency. Stock up: Keep a supply of critical parts and maintenance tools on hand. The part you didn’t think you’d need will be the one that breaks. Stay Ahead of the Surprises You can’t plan for every curveball the road throws your way, but having a solid response plan can turn a disaster into just another bump in the road. So take a fresh look at your readiness. Think through the “what ifs.” Check your mutual aid contacts. Train your crew. A little preparation now can save you a whole lot of scrambling later. Because when the unexpected happens - and it will - the goal is to be ready, not caught off guard.
Core Operations
How to Keep Fleet Maintenance Costs Under Control
For any highway department, one thing that can eat through your budget faster than a dump truck burns diesel is fleet maintenance costs. Between wear and tear, unexpected breakdowns, and rising parts prices, it can feel like you’re always chasing repairs. The good news? With a little planning and discipline, you can get a handle on those costs. Here are some down-to-earth tips to help: 1. Stick to a Preventive Maintenance Schedule If your approach to maintenance is “fix it when it breaks,” you’re going to spend more in the long run. Regular preventive maintenance: oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations, filter replacements, helps catch problems early, keeps vehicles running efficiently, and extends their lifespan. Bonus: well-maintained vehicles also use less fuel. 2. Track Everything You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Keep detailed records of: Maintenance performed Parts replaced Downtime per vehicle Costs per vehicle This helps you spot trends, identify problem units, and plan ahead for major expenses. Even a basic spreadsheet can do the job, though fleet management software makes it easier. 3. Train Your Operators Your operators are your first line of defense. If they know how to: Perform daily pre-trip inspections Recognize early signs of mechanical issues Report problems promptly …you’ll avoid a lot of big-ticket repairs. A little training goes a long way toward saving money. 4. Standardize Your Fleet (If You Can) Running a mixed bag of makes and models makes stocking parts and training mechanics more difficult, and expensive. Standardizing your fleet (as much as is practical) helps streamline maintenance and parts inventory, which keeps costs down. 5. Don’t Ignore Aging Equipment Yes, it’s tempting to squeeze one more season out of that old loader. But there’s a tipping point where repair costs and downtime outweigh the value of keeping it around. Tracking lifetime maintenance costs can help you make smart replacement decisions instead of sinking money into a money pit. 6. Use Quality Parts and Fluids It may seem cheaper to go with bargain-bin parts, but lower quality often means shorter lifespan and more frequent repairs. Using OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts and proper fluids usually pays off in the long run. 7. Shop Smart for Repairs If you outsource some maintenance, shop around for reputable vendors and negotiate pricing if possible. Consider building relationships with local shops since they may offer better deals for repeat municipal customers. Bottom line: controlling fleet maintenance costs isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about being proactive, organized, and smart about how you manage your equipment. A little effort up front can save a lot of dollars (and headaches) down the road.
Core Operations
Why Mowing Road Shoulders Matters
If you run a highway department, mowing the shoulders of your roads isn’t just about keeping things looking tidy, though that’s a nice side benefit. Regular shoulder mowing plays a critical role in both road safety and environmental responsibility. Let’s break it down. 1. Sight Distance = Safe Driving One of the biggest reasons to keep those shoulders trimmed is sight distance. Overgrown grass, weeds, and brush can block a driver’s view of oncoming traffic, intersections, pedestrians, wildlife, and road signs. When visibility is reduced, the chances of accidents go up. Mowing keeps lines of sight clear, giving drivers time to react, whether it’s to a stop sign they might otherwise miss or a deer about to cross the road. For your department, this is a simple way to help prevent crashes and liability headaches down the road. 2. Controlling Noxious Weeds Another reason to stay on top of shoulder mowing: noxious vegetation. Many states and counties have laws requiring municipalities to control invasive and harmful plant species like poison ivy, knotweed, or giant hogweed. If left unchecked, these plants can spread rapidly, crowding out native plants, damaging infrastructure, and posing risks to public health. In some cases, municipalities can even face fines for not keeping them in check. Routine mowing is one of the easiest and most cost-effective tools to help keep noxious weeds under control, especially when paired with targeted herbicide programs. 3. Bonus: Drainage and Road Preservation There’s a third benefit that often gets overlooked: good drainage. When shoulders get overgrown, water can’t drain properly away from the road surface. This can lead to shoulder erosion, potholes, and premature road wear. Keeping the grass and brush down ensures water flows where it’s supposed to, helping preserve your road investment. In short, shoulder mowing isn’t just a cosmetic task. It’s an important part of maintaining safe, passable roads and staying in compliance with environmental obligations. By putting a regular mowing program on your seasonal calendar, your department can help drivers stay safe, keep noxious weeds at bay, and protect your roadways for the long haul. Sometimes the simplest tools, like a well-maintained mower, can make the biggest difference.
Management & Administration
Using Inter-Municipal Agreements to Stretch Your Equipment Budget
Let’s be honest. Highway departments aren’t exactly swimming in cash. Budgets are ALWAYS tight, equipment is expensive, and the wish list always seems longer than the purchase list. But here’s a smart move more and more towns are using: inter-municipal agreements (IMAs). In plain terms, an IMA is just a formal agreement between two (or more) municipalities to share resources. And one of the biggest wins? Access to equipment your department can’t afford to buy on its own. Why It Makes Sense Say your town needs a street sweeper once a year. Or maybe a large excavator would be handy a couple times each season, but there’s no way you can justify buying one. Neighboring towns are in the same boat, and one of them may already own that machine. Rather than renting from a private company or just doing without, an IMA lets you team up and share the gear. You get access when you need it, without footing the entire bill. That’s a win for your roads and your taxpayers. What You Can Share Here are a few pieces of equipment that are commonly shared through IMAs: Sweepers Excavators Graders Shoulder machines Lowboy trailers Brush chippers Pavers Large rollers It can also go beyond equipment; things like salt sheds, fuel depots, and even staff expertise can be shared under the right agreement. How It Works The process is pretty straightforward: Talk to your neighboring superintendents. Find out what they have, what they’re willing to share, and what you might be able to offer in return. Work with your municipal board or attorney. IMAs need to be properly authorized and documented. You’ll want a clear agreement on things like scheduling, maintenance responsibilities, insurance, and liability. Put it on paper. A written agreement protects everyone involved and helps avoid misunderstandings. Keep the communication going. Regularly check in with your partner towns to make sure everything’s working smoothly. A Few Tips Think regionally. The more towns involved, the more resources you all can access. Be fair. No one wants to feel like they’re giving more than they’re getting. Track equipment use and stick to the agreement. Maintain equipment well. Shared equipment should be treated with respect - like it’s your own, because in a way, it is. IMAs are a great way to stretch your department’s capabilities without stretching the budget to the breaking point. A little cooperation can go a long way toward keeping your roads in good shape, and building good relationships with your fellow superintendents never hurts, either.
Core Operations
Crack Sealing Can Help You Stretch Road Life
You don’t need to be a pavement engineer to know that cracks are bad news for your roads. But here’s the good news: you can fight back, and one of the simplest, most cost-effective tools in your arsenal is crack sealing. Let’s take a quick drive through the why, when, and how of crack sealing, so your roads can last longer and your budget can go further. Why Cracks Matter A few cracks here and there might not seem like a big deal, but once water gets in, trouble isn’t far behind. Moisture seeps under the pavement, weakens the base layers, and leads to more cracking, potholes, and eventually major repairs. Think of crack sealing like weatherproofing your house. It helps keep the bad stuff out. The Benefits of Crack Sealing Extend pavement life Properly sealed cracks can add 5 - 10 years to the life of your road surface. That means fewer major repairs down the line. Save money Crack sealing costs a fraction of what it takes to mill and pave a road. An ounce of prevention here really does pay off. Prevent bigger problems Sealing blocks water, dirt, and vegetation from turning small cracks into big headaches like potholes and alligator cracking. When to Seal The best time to seal is when the road is still in relatively good shape, before the cracks widen or multiply. You want to catch them early, ideally when they are 1/4" to 3/4" wide. Cool, dry weather is ideal, usually spring or fall. That’s when pavement and crack sizes are stable and sealant can bond well. How It’s Done Here’s a simple look at the crack sealing process: Clean the cracks Use compressed air or a heat lance to remove dirt and moisture so the sealant can adhere properly. Apply the sealant Hot-applied rubberized asphalt is poured or injected into the crack. This flexible material expands and contracts with the pavement, keeping the seal intact. Let it cool Allow the sealant to set before reopening the road to traffic, typically just a few hours. (Yes, we know it is unrealistic to keep traffic off a road for hours.) A Little Effort, Big Results If you’re running a highway department or managing a town’s roads, don’t overlook this simple maintenance tool. A regular blacktop crack sealing program, even on a modest budget, can keep your roads smoother and stronger for years. Remember: it’s always cheaper to seal a crack than to fill a pothole.
Core Operations
The Heavy Equipment Every Small Highway Department Should Have
Running a small highway department? You don’t need a million-dollar fleet, but you do need the right tools to keep your roads safe and your crew productive. The good news is, with a solid core set of equipment, even the smallest towns can punch well above their weight when it comes to road maintenance. Here’s a look at the must-haves. Dump Truck (or Two or Three or...) If there’s one piece of equipment no highway department should be without, it’s a dump truck. Hauling gravel, sand, salt, millings, debris, you name it. Dump trucks are the workhorses of the yard. Pro tip: a mid-size single-axle is a great place to start. If your budget allows, having a tandem axle in the fleet gives you more hauling power for big jobs. Loader (Front-End Loader or Backhoe Loader) When you need to move a pile of material, load trucks, or clear snow, a loader is your best friend. A backhoe loader gives you extra versatility. You can dig with it, trench, and do light excavation. For general use, many small departments find that a loader with a bucket and forks attachment covers a lot of ground. Grader or Grading Attachment If your town maintains dirt or gravel roads, a grader is worth its weight in gold. Grading keeps the roads smooth, sheds water properly, and prevents washboarding. Can’t justify a full-size motor grader? Look into a grading box or drag blade you can tow behind a truck or tractor. Skid Steer A good skid steer is one of the most versatile machines you’ll own. With the right attachments, it can: Clean sidewalks Patch potholes Sweep intersections Move materials Handle small snow removal jobs Plus, they’re easy to transport and great for tight spots where a big loader can’t fit. Mowers & Brush Cutters Managing roadside vegetation is an ongoing job. At minimum, your department should have: A boom mower or flail mower for ditch banks and guardrails A rotary cutter or brush hog for wide-open areas Keeping shoulders and ditches clear improves sight lines and drainage, and it helps prevent invasive species from taking hold. Plow & Spreader Equipment If you get snow , and most of us do, make sure your dump trucks are equipped with plows and salt/sand spreaders. Smaller plows for pickups are handy for parking lots and narrow roads. Reminder: be sure to have authorization before purchasing new plow setups as they can add up fast! Miscellaneous Must-Haves These aren’t headline-grabbing machines, but they’re vital for keeping the operation running: Trailer: for moving your skid steer and other small equipment Compact roller: for asphalt patching and shoulder work Air compressor: for powering tools and inflating tires Portable generator & lights: for emergency and night work Even a small highway department can stay highly effective with a well-chosen fleet. Focus on versatility - machines that can handle multiple jobs help you get more done without stretching your budget. And one last thing: always make sure your purchases are approved and properly budgeted. No one wants to explain an unplanned $75K loader to the town board!