Meet Fred Johnson, Maintenance Supervisor for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s maintenance contractor, Roy Jorgensen Associates, Inc. Fred manages the maintenance operations on both the 183A and 290 Toll Roads, as well as the newly opened MoPac Express Lane. While not an easy job by any means, Fred takes great pride in the roadways he manages, which is clearly reflected in their condition.
A typical day in the field for Fred runs from 7 am - 4 pm. He begins by driving the roadways, both the tolled and the non-tolled general purpose lanes, to look for any inconsistencies since his last check. Anything can happen overnight, especially in Texas where the weather can change from one moment to the next. The wind could blow over a wayfinding sign, a distracted or impaired driver could hit a guardrail, graffiti vandals could tag a wall or bridge, or a piece of debris could be found in the roadway. Fred knows these corridors like the back of his hand and is trained to spot anything from a missing sign to debris hidden in overgrown grass.
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A Team Effort
It’s not only Fred’s job to maintain the roadways, ensure object markers are in place, repair guardrail or toll gantry damage, replace signage, remove graffiti, and ensure contracted crews are meeting their obligations for landscaping and litter removal; he also assists the Austin Police Department with incident response. In the event of a traffic collision or a disabled vehicle, Fred and his team are called to the scene where they spring into action to get a lane closure set up by using proper signage and materials to ensure drivers know they need to exercise caution through the affected area.
“In this field, we all work together,” Fred says. “We all get dirty and sweaty. Nobody is too good to grab a shovel. We make sure everything is done right and everyone gets home safe. We stick it out until the last barrel is picked up.” Fred’s crew is like a second family to him, and they make it a priority to touch base when they get home after a late night - a call to ensure everyone is safe and sound.
Safety First
One thing many people don’t realize about Fred’s work is how dangerous it can be. While they use the “buddy system” and never approach a scene alone, there are still risks involved. Fred always makes sure that all maintenance vehicles called on scene are safely out of travel lanes, first and foremost. Then they assess the damage to determine if a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) truck is needed protect motorists. A TMA truck is equipped with a device known as a crash cushion, which serves as a safety barrier from traffic for Fred’s maintenance crew to mitigate any impacts. Safety is always the number one priority.
Speaking of safety, Fred and his team are big advocates of Texas’ “Move Over Law.” By law, Texans are required to slow down by 20 miles per hour under the posted speed or move into the next lane, if safe to do so, when they see an emergency or any type of response vehicle on the highway. “I wish more drivers were aware of that law,” says Fred; “It can save lives.”
A Job Well Done
What makes Fred’s position unique is that his duty is never done. “I’m always on call and always responsible for the safety of these roadways,” Fred says. Fred has found all kinds of objects in the road during his 20+ year career. “I’ve picked up tools, an icebox—brand new—complete with the warranty. I’ve found dishwashers, helped rescue stranded kittens and even a wild hawk.” The maintenance contract requires that hazardous objects in the roadway be cleared within an hour, which means that Fred, as a supervisor, is responsible for communicating with his on-call team member to make sure that response time is met.
“That requirement is in place because it ensures the continued safety of the roadways. Other people’s families’ lives are in my hands, and I take that job very seriously.”
That hits close to home for Fred, who has a family of his own. Fred lives in Taylor with his wife Antoinette, and their three children: daughter Aniyah, 4 years old; son Zaedyn, 3 years old; and son Kaiden, 7 months old.
A Community Effort
What is so unique about 183A and 290 compared with other roads he’s managed, Fred says, is that neighbors and drivers are respectful and care about the look of the roadway. They don’t see a lot of litter or graffiti. The neighbors take pride in these roadways and the scenery.
In addition to the roadways, Fred and his crew of eight men maintain the trailheads and shared use paths; one of Fred’s favorite parts of the job. “Someone on the trailhead once told me how much she appreciates the work I do. She really noticed how clean the trailhead always is, and that the equipment in the playground is always up to standard.” It really is nice to feel recognized for the hard work you do, not just by the Mobility Authority, but by the community we serve. “It makes the job worthwhile,” Fred says.
When Fred is not busy driving the full length of each corridor to spot inconsistencies, identify maintenance and repair needs, and expeditiously address any issues, the native Texan can be found with his family at the Brushy Creek Trailhead adjacent to 183A. “The scenery and landscaping is so beautiful, the bridges are uniquely designed and maintained well,” Fred says of the 183A corridor’s pedestrian facilities. He brings his family there on weekends all the way from Taylor. “I take pride in the work I do, and I am glad I can bring my family to a safe recreational place,” Fred says. “I strive in my daily work to provide that opportunity to the general public, so that others can take their families out safely too.”
And it truly is one of his favorite ways to unwind after a long day. “Whether it’s the trailhead, going hunting, fishing, or just spending time in the backyard with my family by the peach and cherry trees, I love the great outdoors.” Fred says, “Besides, visiting the trailhead gives me an opportunity check up on the facilities and my crew during my off time.” Fred says his wife Antoinette doesn’t mind him taking a quick detour, she values his dedication to the job and public safety.
Antoinette is a nurse by trade, and is currently home raising the couple’s three young children. Their other favorite Austin hangouts are Mansfield Dam and Lake Travis.
Quality Control
Fred has a strict policy of safety first. “I make it a point to take no shortcuts. We want to work quickly, but we always take the time to restore the road to proper standards after a lane closure and ensure everything is in proper condition--no debris that could possibly cause another accident.” Fred stresses the importance of quality control, especially when it comes to bridges and structures. “You need a second set of eyes to check your work, ensure we keep everything in proper working order.”
Greater Mobility
Fred takes great pride in maintaining safe and efficient roadways for the traveling public, and recognizes their benefits extend far beyond safety and convenience. “I am proud to maintain these facilities because they help people successfully get to their destination without delay. Toll roads provide quality of life benefits, not only to the people who use them, but to the people who use the non-tolled adjacent routes.” Fred says. “183A and 290 Toll, and now the MoPac Express Lane, give people a choice--you can either sit in traffic on the adjacent routes or you can drive a comfortable speed. No more weaving in and out of traffic; it’s a safer and more pleasant ride.”
Beyond the improved commute experience, Fred and his family have recognized the growth these corridors have catalyzed in the Cedar Park/Leander and east Austin communities. “183A has brought a lot of businesses to the area, and there is even another shopping center under construction now,” Fred says. “The same is true about the 290 corridor—it’s a faster way to work; and it’s making Austin grow, connecting people to where the affordable housing is. People can’t afford to live downtown anymore; they are moving further and further out from Central Austin’s core. Our region is growing at a nice speed, and we need to be able to meet the demand that comes with that growth.”
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Fred says, “I want to thank Roy Jorgensen Associates for the opportunity to come onboard this well-organized company. From our CEO and regional management to our project managers and safety managers, they make sure that safety is the number one priority. Not only by providing a robust training program and proper equipment for employees, but by taking pride in the final product and ensuring that our roadways are safe for the traveling public.”
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