Townshend Highway Department

The Townshend Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for maintaining the Town’s roads, bridges, drainage systems, and essential public works infrastructure. Under the leadership of Supervisor Jeremy Zumbruski, DPW ensures safe travel for residents, emergency services, school buses, and visitors throughout the year.

Townshend maintains a mix of paved and gravel roads, Class 1–4 highways, and multiple bridges, culverts, and stormwater structures. All work is performed in compliance with State of Vermont standards, including VTrans, Town Highway Codes, and the Municipal Roads General Permit (MRGP).

Road Maintenance

• Grading gravel roads during spring, summer, and fall
• Pothole and pavement repairs
• Road shoulder work and roadside mowing
• Summer dust control
• Clearing debris after weather events

Winter Operations

• Plowing and sanding all Class 1–3 Town roads
• Monitoring storm conditions and black ice
• Applying sand/salt as needed for safety
• Prioritizing emergency routes
• Enforcing Townshend’s Winter Parking Ban: November 15 – April 15

Bridges & Infrastructure

• Routine monitoring of Town-owned bridges
• Minor bridge repairs and deck maintenance
• Coordination with VTrans for major bridge projects
• Maintaining and upgrading signage, guardrails, and traffic control devices

Drainage, Culverts & Erosion Control

• Ditch and culvert maintenance and replacement
• Stormwater compliance under MRGP
• Erosion control projects to protect roads and waterways
• Washout response after heavy rains

Tree & Hazard Removal

• Clearing downed trees blocking roadways
• Managing roadside brush and overgrowth
• Coordinating with contractors and utility crews as needed

Town DPW does not remove trees on private property.

Each spring, thawing conditions create soft road surfaces, ruts, and limited access on gravel roads. 

During Mud Season, the DPW may:

• Post temporary weight restrictions
• Limit access for heavy vehicles
• Conduct grading only when conditions permit
• Prioritize emergency response access

Residents should plan for delays and use caution.

Property owners must follow the Town’s access rules:

• A Driveway / Right-of-Way Access Permit is required for any new driveway or modification.
• Property owners are responsible for purchasing and installing driveway culverts to DPW specifications.
• Driveway drainage may not direct water onto Town roads.
• Improper drainage may result in a Town-issued correction order.

Mailboxes placed within the Town right-of-way are the responsibility of the homeowner. Townshend will repair or replace a mailbox only if it is struck directly by Town equipment — not if it is damaged by snow discharge or weather conditions.

After major weather events, the DPW:

• Clears roads of fallen trees and debris
• Stabilizes unsafe areas
• Documents damage for FEMA/state reimbursement
• Manages long-term repair projects and contracted work when necessary

Public safety routes are always the first priority.

Townshend maintains Class 4 roads only for emergencies involving bridges, culverts, or clear public safety risks. Routine grading, plowing, and maintenance on Class 4 roads are not required under Vermont law.

To report hazards such as fallen trees, washouts, or dangerous road conditions: 

Call the DPW: (802) 365-4260
Or contact the Town Office during regular hours

For emergencies, dial 911.

Townshend Volunteer Fire Department facebook

• Do not push snow into public roads — prohibited under Vermont law 
• Keep trash/recycling bins out of the roadway during storms 
• Reduce speed near highway crews and equipment 
• Use extra caution during freeze–thaw transitions