Journal Entry: June 17, 2024 – June 21, 2024
Justin Ray Norcutt
Overview:
This week has been exceptionally challenging and demanding, both physically and mentally, due to the intense heat and long hours. We encountered numerous equipment issues which caused delays and required significant extra effort from the entire crew to stay on schedule.
Monday, June 17, 2024:
I began the week with Oblit and thermal road painting on the south side of Tucson. The heat index soared into the triple digits, making the already grueling work even more difficult. Multiple pieces of equipment broke down due to the continuous operation in such extreme conditions. These breakdowns necessitated additional hours of maintenance and repair, which set us back significantly.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024:
We moved our operations to Sahuarita, focusing on long line thermal and thermal turn arrows. I spent the day pushing the thermal heater used for melting the turning arrows up and down the road, covering a considerable distance. This task caused severe blisters on my feet, adding to
the physical strain of the week. Despite these challenges, we made some progress, although equipment issues continued to slow us down.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024:
Continuing in Sahuarita, our goal was to finish the job while addressing persistent equipment problems. The melted thermoplastic proved to be particularly unforgiving, causing delays as we worked to correct any mistakes. The crew and I managed to resolve the issues, but it required significant time and effort, further extending our working hours.
Thursday, June 20, 2024:
We successfully completed the work in Sahuarita, ensuring that all thermal road markings were applied correctly and that the equipment was functioning properly. This was a relief, given the setbacks earlier in the week. The team’s dedication and hard work paid off, allowing us to move on to the next task with confidence.
Friday, June 21, 2024:
Our focus shifted to Maricopa, where we installed RPMs (reflective pavement markers) and painted curves. The work was physically demanding, especially in the intense heat, but we
pushed through and completed the tasks as scheduled. By late Friday evening, we had caught up on our workload, thanks to the crew’s relentless effort and commitment.
Reflection:
The week was a stark reminder of the demanding nature of our work, especially under extreme weather conditions. Despite the setbacks, I am proud of how my team and I managed to stay on track and complete our assignments. This experience has deepened my respect for the men and women who endure these challenges daily to provide for their families. Although I had previously appreciated the comfort of working inside an air-conditioned cab, this week reinforced the reality of the hard labor required in this field. Moving forward, I will continue to support and motivate my team, ensuring we maintain high standards of safety and efficiency, no matter the conditions.
