The Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) has three distinct management groups, each housing engineers, surveyors, analysts, and many others who
maintain the county’s infrastructure and ensure it operates smoothly. One of these essential groups, Management Group 1 (MG1)- Road Maintenance, plays a crucial role in keeping the county’s roads in good condition. This team, led by Chief Engineer Johnny Wong, is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and upgrading the extensive road network that spans Tulare County.
Under Wong’s expert leadership, the team ensures that roadways remain not only safe but also functional for the residents and travelers who rely on them daily. MG1 oversees several road yards (1, 2, 4, and 5), Traffic Control (Sign Shop), and the Heavy Equipment Shop. The team’s scope of work ranges from daily maintenance to emergency services.
MG1’s responsibility extends over nearly 3,000 miles of roads throughout Tulare County. Beyond the regular day-to-day road repairs, the team also manages larger, more complex projects that stretch across the entire county. One key annual initiative that MG1 oversees is the Chip Seal Program, which is crucial for extending the life of the roads. This program involves applying a special process that seals cracks in the pavement, preventing water from seeping in and causing further damage. The chip sealing process begins with the application of asphalt to the road, followed by embedding gravel, which fills the cracks and holes and helps to create a smoother, more durable surface. In addition to enhancing the road’s longevity, chip sealing has numerous other benefits, including providing improved visibility in low light and rainy conditions by reducing glare, as well as creating a skid-resistant surface that increases safety, especially when roads are wet. In the past year alone, the Chip Seal crew successfully completed coverage of approximately 75 miles of road.
MG1 remains an integral part of the RMA’s overall mission in ensuring that the residents of Tulare County receive safe, efficient, and reliable services. With Wong’s team of road experts working diligently on projects, residents of the county can rest assured that their infrastructure is in the hands of highly skilled professionals who are committed to keeping their roads in excellent condition.