Early Spring 2026 Road Business Newsletter | | We’ve transitioned our Road Business newsletter from our traditional Canva/PDF format to a new email platform to make our newsletter more accessible, engaging, and user-friendly. This new format allows us to share timely updates, clickable resources, and easier registration links—all in one place. We’re excited about the improved experience and hope you enjoy it! | | City of Claremont Leads the Way in Prescriptive Salt Spreading | | Using less salt doesn’t have to mean sacrificing safety. The City of Claremont’s investment in prescriptive spreading technology is reducing chloride impacts, lowering costs, and easing operator workload—while maintaining the same level of winter service. Learn how this forward-thinking approach is making a measurable difference. | | Technical Bulletin: Spring Thaw | |
The spring thaw is here — and with it comes one of the most vulnerable times of year for our roads. As frost leaves the ground, pavement and gravel bases become saturated and temporarily lose strength. A truck that causes little damage in July can do serious harm in March.
Our latest UNH T2 Technical Assistance Bulletin breaks down seasonal weight limit authority under RSA 231:191–191-a, posting best practices, thaw management tips, and ready-to-use messaging for residents.
| Registration is open for our 2026 Workshops! | | |
Registration is now officially open for 2026 workshops at UNH T2!
We’re excited to offer a wide range of training opportunities this year, from workshops like ATSSA Flagger and Certified Culvert Maintainer to professional development sessions such as Turning Pushback into Progress: Practical Strategies for Leading Change and Project Management Essentials. There’s something for every member of your public works team!
Seats fill quickly, especially early in the year, so we encourage you to review the schedule and register soon.
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Did you or your team build an innovative gadget, improve how you do a certain job or task, or otherwise implement a change that had a positive impact to your workplace or community? Did you solve a challenge or frustration with ingenuity?
We want to hear from you!
Learn more about Build a Better Mousetrap by visting our website below or email lee.cooper@unh.edu.
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We offer personalized technical assistance to New Hampshire municipal highway departments by phone, email, or on-site visits—covering everything from drainage and gravel roads to safety, asset management, and workforce development.
To request assistance, contact us at the UNH T2 Center at (603) 862-1362 or T2.Center@unh.edu.
| | Meet our Technical Specialists | | |
Tyler Tommila, UNH T2 Center Technical Specialist
Tyler Tommila has worked in public works since 2005 and currently serves as a municipal Public Works Director. With over two decades of hands-on experience in highway operations, infrastructure maintenance, and municipal management, Tyler brings a practical, field-driven perspective to technical training. Since 2015, he has assisted in instructing Lines, Levels & Layouts courses and supports equipment operator training programs, helping strengthen skills and safety standards across New Hampshire’s public works community.
| | The Value of Precision in the Field: Why Lines, Levels & Layouts Still Matter | | |
Written by Tyler Tommila, UNH T2 Center Technical Specialist
In today’s world of GPS-guided equipment and advanced technology, it’s easy to overlook the foundational skills that make projects successful. But accurate lines, proper leveling, and understanding layout principles remain critical to quality infrastructure work.
Whether setting culverts, establishing roadway grades, or preparing site work, small errors in elevation or alignment can quickly compound into drainage issues, premature pavement failure, or costly rework. Strong fundamentals ensure that projects start right — and stay right.
In our Lines, Levels & Layouts training, we emphasize not just how to use the tools, but why precision matters. Understanding slope, grade, and reference points empowers operators and crew leaders to make informed decisions in the field rather than relying solely on technology.
As public works professionals, our work often lasts decades. Taking the time to verify grade, double-check measurements, and communicate clearly on layout ensures we deliver infrastructure that serves our communities reliably and safely.
| | New Hampshire’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan Update is Underway | | |
New Hampshire’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) update is underway as part of the federally supported Highway Safety Improvement Program. This statewide, data-driven plan guides efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads.
Regional summits will be held April 7–15, 2026, offering an opportunity to review crash data and help shape strategies for the updated plan.
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Group Admins: Did you know we have a FAQ page with helpful videos on how to access the family group portal and register for workshops?
| | Why Local Public Works Departments Should Champion a Local Road Safety Plan | | A Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) gives public works departments a clear, data-driven framework to proactively address common crash types, prioritize funding, and improve safety before serious crashes occur. With support from the UNH T2 Center, New Hampshire Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration, every New Hampshire community—regardless of size—can build a scalable plan that strengthens transparency, collaboration, and roadway safety for all. | | |
Tailgate Talk:
Lithium Battery Safety
Lithium batteries power many of the tools and devices used daily in public works—from cordless equipment in the field to diagnostic tools in the shop. While they’re efficient and reliable, improper charging, storage, or handling can increase the risk of overheating or fire. This Tailgate Talk outlines practical safety tips to help protect your crew, equipment, and facilities both on the job and at home.
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National Work Zone Awareness Week
April 20-24
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones.
Show your support of work zone safety awareness by participating each day, from where ever you are.
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