Safety
Never Skip Setting Up a Work Zone
As a highway superintendent, you know your crews are under constant pressure to “just get it done.” A pothole needs patching. A tree limb needs removing. A catch basin needs a quick cleanout. And someone inevitably says, “We’ll be in and out in five minutes... no need to set up the whole work zone.” Stop right there. That’s exactly how accidents happen. Safety First - Every Time It doesn’t matter if it’s a five-minute job or a five-day one: proper work zone setup is non-negotiable. Traffic doesn’t know your crew plans to be out of the way quickly. Drivers aren’t expecting a worker to dart into the shoulder, or a dump truck to be half in the travel lane. And if something goes wrong, it’s too late to wish the cones had been out. The False Sense of Speed Crews often skip setting up because they want to save time. Ironically, an accident or injury will shut the whole operation down far longer than setting out cones and signs ever would. A "quick job" that ends in a crash or citation can tie up the crew for hours - or worse. Protect Your People, Protect the Public Setting up a proper work zone: ✅ alerts drivers to slow down ✅ creates a safe buffer between workers and traffic ✅ protects municipal liability (yes, lawyers will ask what safety measures were in place) ✅ reinforces a culture of safety for your entire team Every job deserves that protection. No exceptions. The Role of Leadership As superintendent, it’s your responsibility to set the expectation: no work starts until the work zone is properly established. Period. This also means providing the right equipment, cones, signs, flags, arrow boards, and making sure your crews are trained in basic traffic control principles. Remind your team often: "If you have time to do the work, you have time to set the work zone." Next time someone says, “We’ll be done in five minutes,” answer with: “Then it’ll only take five more to set it up safely.” It’s a simple habit that can save lives, including those of your crew members.
Core Operations
Buying Big Toys: A Casual Guide to Getting Equipment the Right Way
Let’s be honest - one of the best parts of working in a highway department is the equipment. New trucks. Bigger plows. Shiny new mowers. Who wouldn’t want to bring home some new toys for the crew? But here’s the thing: before you go adding that $250,000 grader to your wish list or snapping up a used loader on Marketplace… you’ve got to follow the right process. Trust us, nothing will bring your buying spree to a screeching halt faster than not having proper authorization. Start with the Plan Before the first bid or quote, look at your department’s capital plan. Is equipment purchase on the radar this year? If not, you’ll need to make the case to your board, mayor, or selectboard to add it. Tip: Even if you think you’ll need a piece of equipment two years from now, get it on the long-range plan now. It’s a lot easier to buy something that’s already in the budget. Get the Green Light Most towns and counties have strict rules about who can spend money, and how much. A common mistake is assuming you can buy what you need if the money is in your line item. In many cases, large equipment purchases need: ✅ Approval from the board or council✅ A public bid or RFP process✅ Sign-off from finance or purchasing✅ (Sometimes) voter approval if funded by bonds or special appropriations Bottom line: Before you sign any paperwork or shake hands on a deal, make sure you have all the approvals in writing. No one wants to explain an unauthorized $100k expense. Shop Smart Once you’re cleared to buy, now the fun starts - demoing equipment, getting quotes, and comparing features. Remember to: Check cooperative purchasing contracts (like Sourcewell). They can save time and money. Ask neighboring towns what they use and trust. Think about lifecycle cost, not just purchase price, but maintenance, fuel, and resale value. Make sure your garage can handle the new machine (clearance, power needs, service tools). Seal the Deal (Properly) When you’re ready to commit: Ensure the purchase contract or PO is signed by the right authority, often a board chair, purchasing officer, or supervisor. Double-check the funding source. Capital fund? Highway reserve? Lease purchase? Keep a paper trail. You never know when someone will ask how the deal came together. As a highway superintendent, you’re a trusted steward of public funds. Buying equipment is one of the most visible ways you show your community that you take that job seriously. So go ahead and spec out that plow truck. Just make sure the paperwork is done before you fire it up.