Quick Answers: All answers
Can a Municipality use an intersection as part of a turnaround for a boat launch? (11/10/20)
What are the requirements for permanently posting a road for weight? (8/20/20)
Can we use signs with LEDs in the border to enhance conspicuity? (8/13/20)
What is the risk over overspray from herbicide application? (8/5/20)
How do I adjust the asphalt emulsion rate for various surfaces when placing a chip seal? (7/21/20)
Are there any publications available on Culvert Flushing? (6/30/20)
Is there a way to submit CHIPS and other state reimbursement requests via email? (6/26/20)
Have CHIPS/PAVE NY allocations for FY 2020/20201
been reduced? (6/16/20)
How do I post or assign a speed limit on a dead-end road? (5/27/20)
How do I obtain cloth or surgical masks for my employees who have to interact with the public? (4/21/20)
Are Highway Department Employees essential in light of the 50% reduction of staff due to COVID-19? (4/2/20)
Where can I find sample “piggybacking” contract language that my municipality can use? (3/5/20)
What signs should we replace first? (2/13/20)
Can you mount a county route marker on the same post as a speed limit sign? (1/22/20)
Where can I find a sample policy or public notice about winter maintenance mailbox damage? (1/9/20)
2019
Can a town designate a town road: “No Through Traffic - Local Traffic Only”? (12/6/19)
Can street name signs be installed on the same post as a STOP sign? (11/25/19)
Where can I find information listing what safety equipment is required for my staff? (11/14/19)
What are the recommended advanced posting distances for Deaf Child Area signs? (10/2/19)
Who or what determines the responsibilities of a shared road between two municipalities? (9/17/19)
Is parking allowed across the street parallel to the opening end of a T intersection? (6/13/19)
Is there any standard policy available pertaining to plowing and salting railroad grade crossings? (4/4/19)
What is the new Excavator Certification Training and who needs to be certified? (2/19/19)
Where can I find resources or workshops for engineers that deal with superpave mix designs? (2/13/19)
Where can I go to find resources on sexual harassment laws, policies, and training? (1/23/19)
Do horse riders have the-right-of-way at a highway crossing? (1/8/19)
2018
Are purple and white acceptable colors for a village to choose for a village trail sign? (11/7/18)
Does the MUTCD allow intersection murals or widespread application of artwork to the street? (8/29/18)
Can a village speed limit be set to 25 mph? (8/14/18)
When are curve and turn signs required? (8/8/18)
Where can I find chainsaw training resources
in NYS? (6/26/18)
Should road striping be paid for out of the Highway Department’s General Fund? (6/20/18)
Why do I need to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and what are the best ways to use them? (5/30/18)
Do Villages have their own version of the Office of the Town Highway Superintendent or “Red Book?” (5/23/18)
Are date and initial stickers required on all signs as opposed to just stop signs? (3/19/18)
What is procurement piggybacking and when is it allowed? (2/6/18)
Can someone be the town highway superintendent of one town but live in a different town? (1/30/18)
2017
Where can I find information on road closures and travel advisories statewide?
(12/19/17)
Where can I find guides on budgeting and planning for my highway department? (11/13/17)
What do we do if we receive a red flag on a bridge inspection (and what does it mean)? (10/23/17)
Where can I find publically available budget and expenditure data for my highway department? (10/2/17)
What are the drug and alcohol testing requirements for DOT CDL drivers? (9/25/17)
Where do I find New York State case law? (9/18/17)
What is the maximum recommended angle for an intersection? (9/14/17)
Where can I find seasonal snowfall records
for regions within New York State? (9/7/17)
Where can I compare highway fatality rates by states, region or MPO? (6/28/17)
What performance level is needed for high-visibility safety apparel in a work zone? (6/20/17)
Do I have to follow MUTCD? (6/9/17)
Why do chip seals fail? (6/5/2017)
Do I have to put our town insignia on our trucks? (5/23/2017)
When can a single flagger be used? (5/18/2017)
Where does the centerline start and stop at an intersection? (4/26/2017)
Do snow plow drivers have to obey the vehicle and traffic law? (4/20/2017)
Where can I find information on crash modification factors? (4/13/2017)
Is the size of the double arrow sign (W1-7) changing? (4/3/2017)
What is the minimum height of a sign? (2/15/2017)
How do I use a roundabout? (1/202017)
How can I get a quick estimate of traffic volume on my highways?
Are Deaf Child and Blind Child Area signs limited to children?
2016
Can a village board lower the weight limit allowed on a street? (9/29/2016)
Should I use my personal email account for highway business? (9/20/2016)
What does a blinking left arrow mean? (8/17/2016)
What are the NYS requirements for a municipality to remove an existing sign? (7/28/2016)
Where do I find guides for placarding hazardous materials on a truck? (4/27/2016)
How do I calculate the percentage of asphalt in a mix? (4/19/2016)
How do I change the allowable weight limit on a bridge? (4/14/2016)
What is the difference between no parking, no standing, and no stopping? (4/8/2016)
What are ways to protect against trench cave-ins? (3/31/2016)
Where can I find a Temporary Easement form? (3/25/16)
Does a municipality have to go to bid to purchase a used vehicle? (3/6/2016)
How close can a residential driveway be to an intersection? (2/25/2016)
Is there a specific regulation that sets a timer for the replacement of downed signs? (2/18/2016)
Can we use three flags to improve “Conspicuity” on our road signs? (2/15/2016)
What is a clear definition of a “Clear Zone”? (2/5/2016)
What is the Present Serviceability Index (PSI)? (1/13/2016)
How can I find out the official functional class of a highway? (1/4/2016)
2015
What is the limit for idling a truck? (12/10/2015)
How do I sign/stripe a parking space for persons with disabilities on the street? (11/17/2015)
What sign should be used when all trucks are banned from a highway? (11/6/2015)
Can municipalities be compelled to replace their signs to meet the new retroreflectivity standards? (10/23/2015)
Is it better to turn off your computer when you’re not using it, or leave it on all the time? (10/16/2015)
What does the board have to do to use the “Best Value” method for purchasing? (10/9/2015)
Are “Turn Around Don’t Drown” signs allowed in New York State? (9/25/2015)
Can we use existing rustic box beam in stock to replace rusting rustic box beam? (9/21/2015)
What are some Best Practices that should be considered when applying a Tack Coat? (9/11/2015)
What should be done if someone gets burned by hot liquid asphalt? (9/4/2015)
Why should I use Tack Coat and is it worth the extra cost? (8/28/2015)
How wide should a bicycle lane be? (6/18/2015)
Are two-way bicycle lanes allowed on highways? (6/12/2015)
Is it true that we have to start using a new handicap sign? (6/8/2015)
What are the requirements for the use of roll up speed limit signs used in work zones? (5/29/2015)
When do I have to call 811? (5/22/2015)
Can the Police Chief create a ‘Police Parking Only’ spot near the Police Station? (5/15/2015)
When is it acceptable to post more than one sign on a single post? (5/8/2015)
How far apart should signs be placed along the highway? (4/24/2015)
What signs can be used to alert drivers to bicycles using the highway? (4/17/2015)
When should I use warning signs for bikes, pedestrians, buggies, or other non-typical highway use? (4/14/2015)
Can a 284 Agreement be changed after it has been approved? (4/3/2015)
Is there a law about home owners putting markers along the roads to keep snow plows off the shoulders? (3/27/2015)
Are the amounts under Permanent Improvements the total of the anticipated state aid? (i.e. CHIPS) (3/20/2015)
Can a private landowner plow a seasonal road to access his property? (3/13/2015)
In preparing a 284 Agreement, is the amount under General Repairs for materials only? (3/6/2015)
Do unreported accidents count toward the accident history warrant, or do only reported accidents count? (2/27/2015)
Where is a good source for financial information for Town Highway Superintendents? (2/13/2015)
Is it better to place cobbles or sand directly on an weak subgrade? (2/6/2015)
Does a smooth bore pipe have more capacity to carry water than a corrugated pipe? (1/30/2015)
Do municipal trucks need to have fire extinguishers? (1/20/2015)
Who set speed limits on local highways? (1/6/2015)
2014
What are the snow disposal responsibilities for property owners? (12/20/2014)
What is the traffic volume cut off between high-volume and low volume? (12/5/2014)
How do I determine who owns a piece of property? (11/14/2014)
What is the rule of thumb for roadside ditch depth? (11/10/2014)
Are strobe lights allowed in red signals? (10/31/2014)
Who is responsible for clearing brush at an intersection owned by two different municipalities? (10/24/2014)
Where can I find legal opinions of the NYS Comptroller? (10/10/2014)
What are the rules for Seasonal Limited Use Highways (10/3/2014)
How do I sign a skewed RR crossing which can cause problems for bikes and motor cycles? (9/30/2014)
Is there a requirement that the doctor doing the examination for a CDL license be certified? (9/19/2014)
How thick should the gravel be on a reconstructed road? (9/14/2014)
Where can we find that Piggybacking memo mentioned at the Highway School? (8/29/2014)
Are highway departments considered ‘first responders’ by Homeland Security? (8/22/2014)
Does a town have an obligation to remove diseased trees on roads on the town's right of way? (8/15/2014)
Can I put a painted stop line at a yield sign location? (8/82014)
What is the most efficient way to fill potholes? (8/1/2014)
Can I paint a single yellow stripe down the center of a highway just for guidance? (7/25/2014)
Is a Highway Department permitted to put up a NO PARKING ON PAVEMENT sign without a sidewalk district? (7/18/2014)
What are the sign regulations for attaching a NO LITTERING sign to a speed limit sign post? (7/11/2014)
What should I use to seal a driveway? (7/3/2014)
What is the ‘Red Book’ that Highway Superintendents should have in their library and how do I obtain a copy? (6/27/2014)
What training and certification is needed for flaggers? (6/25/2014)
What do I have to do to meet the sign retroreflectivity standard that goes into effect on June 13, 2014? (6/16/2014)
What are the proper ways to sign one or more parking spaces for persons with disabilities? (5/21/2014)
How do I get reimbursements for work done under CHIPS and the new Winter Recovery Fund? (5/8/2014)
What is the lettering height and spacing for a Political Boundary sign (NYI12-2)? (5/2/2014)
Where can I find information about improving curve safety? (4/25/2014)
What are the requirements for a roadside mailbox? (4/11/2014)
A residential area wants a “speed hump” or “ speed table.” What are they? (4/4/2014)
Why can’t I use a Slow Moving Vehicle Triangle to mark the end of my driveway? (3/28/2014)
What is an Erwin Plan Road? (3/21/2014)
What is the proper layout and placement for a stop sign and street sign on a single post? (3/13/2014)
What is the proper technique for filling potholes? (3/7/2014)
Can CHIPS funding be used to develop an asset or pavement management plan? (2/18/2014)
Why do we need to mow grass lined ditches? (2/7/2014)
When does the price of salt automatically increase when using the State OGS bid? (1/31/2014)
Can we put a yield sign to warn drivers to yield when turning left at a sharp intersection? (1/20/2014)
What is the width of a bike lane? (1/2/2014)
2013
What is the distance between speed limit signs? (12/13/2013)
Can you mark road shoulders as bike lanes? (11/14/2013)
What is the size of a parking lot stall? (11/4/2013)
How much latitude does a Town have in "adjusting" the width of Main Street as part of a comprehensive plan? (10/22/2013)
Does the type of street (Street, Avenue, Road …) have to be on a Street Name Sign? (10/14/2013)
What are work zone traffic control standards in New York State? (10/7/2013)
When do you need to install ADA compliant curb ramps as part of a pavement resurfacing project? (9/30/2013)
Where can I find specifications for installing plastic culvert pipe (HDPE)? (9/17/2013)
What are the fines for using electronic devices while driving? (8/30/2013)
Where can I find information on gravel road maintenance? (8/7/2013)
What should I do if there is a mud slide affecting my highway? (7/30/2013)
What are the requirements for a public hearing before paving a Town highway? (7/5/2013)
Who sets work week schedule; the Town board or Highway Superintendent? (7/2/2013)
Who is responsible to remove a tree when it falls into a stream? (6/21/2013)
Where can I find out how much my municipality will get in CHIPS funds? (6/6/2013)
What are the critical dates for Town Highway Departments? (5/31/2013)
What roads need to have Dead End Road signs? (5/22/2013)
Can I change a two-way road to a one-way road? (4/24/2013)
Is it necessary to reclaim by grinding a very poor surface before placing a new gravel base or surface? (4/17/2013)
Why do I have to bury the base of a silt fence? (4/8/2013)
Is the S4-5a sign is still used? (3/31/2013)
When do we need to install silt fence? (3/18/2013)
I don't live in a watershed; why do I need to worry about stormwater management? (2/27/2013)
Can I use CHIPS monies for crack repairs? (2/19/2013)
What drug and alcohol tests are required for a CDL license? (2/14/2013)
What can a municipality do about someone dumping snow onto a highway?(2/7/2013)
Can I use my old steel barrels and homemade wooden barricades in a work zone? (1/15/2013)
Can Town Highway Superintendent plow a public official's driveway? (1/9/2013)
2012
Where should Dead End Road signs be placed? (12/10/2012)
Where can I find geometric design standards for roads and street? (11/19/2012)
How do I back up my computer? (11/12/2012)
Where would I find a standard rental rate for various highway equipment? (11/05/2012)
What is the width of road? (10/30/2012)
What is Cold-in-place recycling and what are its advantages? (10/16/2012)
Which Tack Coat material should I use for an asphalt overlay? (10/09/2012)
What is a Cape Seal and how is it compared to other Surface Treatments? (10/03/2012)
Where can I find out more information on rumble strips? (9/26/2012)
Where can I find the latest adjustments for asphalt and fuel prices on State bids? (9/11/2012)
How do I know if there is enough sight distance at an intersection? (8/27/2012)
Where can I use the Clearview font? (8/14/2012)
Where can I find out the functional classification of a particular highway? (7/9/2012)
What do I do at a traffic signal when the power is out? (5/21/2012)
Why are stops signs not recommended for speed control? (5/7/2012)
How should I answer the phone? (4/30/2012)
Where can I find a specification for a product or service? (4/23/2012)
Can I use an “Autistic Child” warning sign in New York? (4/9/2012)
Are there any requirements for how many and how bright yellow (amber) flashing lights are to be on work trucks? (04/02/2012)
What constitutes a Federal off-system bridge or road? (3/26/2012)
How does the new “Move Over” law apply to highway personnel? (3/19/2012)
Is it true that they are no longer making Marshall Mix? (3/5/2012)
What is the definition of a highway? (2/27/2012)
What is the proper placement of the Railroad Advanced Warning Sign? (2/20/2012)
What is the status of the MUTCD compliance date changes proposed in the Summer 2011? (2/13/2012)
Are the requirements for crashworthiness posts to be changed with the proposed revision to the MUTCD? (1/30/2012)
What is the status of the “Children at Play” sign? (1/23/2012)
Do warning signs near a school need to be fluorescent yellow/green or can they stay yellow? (1/9/2012)
2011
Does the law about cell phone usage and texting apply to government workers? (12/19/2011)
What is the “Safety Edge” and why should we use it? (11/16/2011)
I heard many of the new requirements of the 2009 National MUTCD are being eliminated. Is this true? (9/1/2011)
Where should I put 911 emergency or grid address numbers on a street sign? (8/3/2011)
What is the speed limit when there is no posting (no signs)? (8/2/2011)
What is the minimum size for a Stop sign? Can I use 24 inch signs I have in stock? (8/1/2011)
Are there new sizes for work zone signs? (5/2/2011)
What traffic control is required in a night time work zone? (5/2/2011)
Can we use flags to control traffic? (3/9/2011)
Where can I find the proper distances for the advance placement of warning signs? (3/2/2011)
What is the text on Reduced Speed Limit Ahead Signs? (2/28/2011)
Who hires office workers for the Highway Department? (2/28/2011)
2010
What are the dollar amounts for when sealed bids are required? (10/11/2010)
What can I use to clean paving equipment other than diesel fuel? (9/30/2010)
How late into the Fall can I do paving, and how early can I start in the Spring? (9/30/2010)
What can we do to stop beavers from clogging up our culverts? (9/30/2010)
I am in an MS4 regulated area, do I need to apply for NYS DEC Permits? (8/25/2010)
When are retroreflective strips on sign supports required? (8/25/2010)
We have been digging from our material pit for years, do we need a mining permit? (8/24/2010)
When do sign posts have to meet the new standards for crashworthiness? (7/6/2010)
Can I replace my 24-inch corrugated pipe with a 21-inch smooth bore plastic pipe? (6/14/2010)
Does a flagger have to wear a vest? (5/17/2010)
Can I use my old signs even if they do not meet the requirements of the new 2009 National MUTCD? (4/2/2010)
What is the minimum size and colors allowed for Street Name Signs? (4/22/2010)
Do I really have to use chevrons and curves on every turn with a change in speed of 15 mph or more? (4/22/2010)
Which National MUTCD should be followed in New York State? (1/22/2010)
2009
I have a bunch of old signs in inventory. Can I use them even though the designations have changed? (12/09/2009)
What it the proper layout for a new sign? (12/09/2009)
Where can I acquire a copy of the New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law (the V&T)? (11/19/2009)
What are the proper pavement markings in advance of a Railroad Crossing? (11/19/2009)
Should all crosswalks be painted? (9/29/2009)
What are the requirements for breakaway hardware for sign posts on rural roads? (9/10/2009)
What are the requirements for safety vests in the right-of-way? (8/27/2009)
Are work zone signs required to be retroreflective? (8/12/2009)
Are signs and sign hardware general fund items? (8/12/2009)
Where can I get a copy of the 284 Agreement? (6/26/2009)
Are work zone traffic control templates available? (5/27/2009)
What is the Highway Right-of-Way? (3/11/2009)
Do County Route markers (MI-6) need to be high-intensity? (3/11/2009)
Can we keep using our older metal Work Zone signs? (2/18/2009)
When and where is it appropriate to use an in-street pedestrian crossing sign? (2/18/2009)
What is a Heater-Scarifier? (2/10/2009)
What are the minimum traffic volumes for using multiway stop signs? (2/2/2009)
What do Windchill and Heat Index temperatures mean? (1/23/2009)
Where do I find State/OGS Bids? (1/16/2009)
What color is a "Cross Traffic Does Not Stop" sign? (1/16/2009)