MAINTAINER SPOTLIGHT

EDWARD JOHNSON

RAILROAD SIGNAL MAINTAINER

Hey CDL. I am Edward Johnson and I have worked at CDL as a Signal Maintainer for eight years and seven months. I started out on the ABS in Tuscaloosa, AL and transferred to the BHRR in 2016. I’m from Birmingham and currently service the BHRR and Autauga railroad and International Paper.

CDL has given me the opportunity to apply what I learned going back to school, and continued to train me in the signals. That being said, my favorite job that I’ve been a part of, was during the new installs on the ABS. Getting to see everything come together from start to finish is very satisfying and rewarding.

In my opinion, the most difficult part of the job is finding cut underground track wires after maintenance of way does track work, which makes the best part of the job a successful test of a repaired crossing.

Outside of work, I enjoy fishing and attending local car shows with my friends, as well as spending time with family. I love all types of food (my favorite being grilled or smoked), but I enjoy trying new things.

My favorite place to vacation is my grandmother’s place near Guntersville, AL. It is always peaceful, and the fishing is great.

If I could meet one famous person, it would be Jay Leno, not necessarily for just his comic, but I’d love to see his collection of cars and hear the history behind them.

Interesting Fact About Me: I don’t settle for “it is what it is”. If you are going to do something, finish it and do it right.

My advice for someone wanting to get into the railroad industry is to make sure to be prepared to work in all types of weather conditions. Additionally, when you have time, enjoy it with family.