State Supplement sponsored by:
CALIFORNIA STATE EDITION A Supplement to: SHIP WITHIN 48 HOURS SAME DAY PARTS AVAILABILITY
®
October 4 2026 Vol. VII • No 20
24 HOUR TECHNICAL SUPPORT BACKED BY AN 85 YEAR BUSINESS Thousands in Service!
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”
Your California Connection – Sharon Swanson – 1-760-518-4336 – sswanson@cegltd.com
Affordable Price. Premium Service.
CALL 800-367-4937 *On approved credit • Financing Available
The construction team is widening 33 bridges while simultaneously constructing roadway improvements, retaining walls and express lanes.
Interstate 15 is a vital corridor to the California ecosystem, carrying some 220,000 vehicles daily through deserts and cities. And Skanska USA Civil West is enhancing travel in this area, beginning in the city of Rancho Cucamonga just east of Los Angeles and extending approximately 11 mi. I-15 is nearly 300 mi. long and carries motorists and trucks northward from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, connecting with Interstate 40 along the way, one of the nation’s most important east-west corridors. Skanska’s work will include building roads, retaining walls and sound walls, widening bridges and making utility improvements. The project is expected to cost approximately $400 million with a completion date in 2028. Slightly more than $50 million will be allotted for paving by Skanska
By Chuck MacDonald CEG CORREPONDENT
JV partner Coffman Specialties. Rafael Gutierrez, project executive at Skanska Civil USA, described said to Construction Equipment Guide, “We had to open up the whole job and work everywhere at once.” Gutierrez and his team managed complex sequencing to work around the heavy traffic. “We are widening 33 bridges while simultaneously constructing roadway improvements, retaining walls and express lane infrastructure across an active freeway corridor. To maintain our schedule, we needed to manage multiple work fronts throughout the project.” The Skanska team worked closely with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the San Bernardino County Transit Authority to eliminate staging at the on/off ramps. This coordination increased the window of time for workers and led to improved quality. It also reduced
the inconvenience to the traveling public. The construction team used digital planning and coordination tools to manage the construction activity occurring simultaneously across multiple locations. The complex job required a significant amount of material including: • 10 million lbs. of reinforcing steel; • 300,000 cu. yds. of excavation; • 60,000 tons of hot-mix asphalt; • 22,000 cu. yds. of concrete for the bridges; • 12,000 cu. yds. of concrete for the retaining walls; and • 115,000 cu. yds. of jointed concrete. The concrete and asphalt demolished for the project are being crushed and reused as Class 2 aggregate base for the paving. see FREEWAY page 6
Page 2 • October 4, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • California Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
FlatironDragados JV Begins Dam Seismic Retrofit Project FlatironDragados announced on Aug. 20, 2026, that it is leading a joint venture with Sukut Construction to deliver the $1.9 billion Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit project in Morgan Hill for the Santa Clara Valley Water District, known as Valley Water. Valley Water selected the joint venture through a bestvalue procurement process and has issued a “notice to proceed” with construction. To meet modern seismic safety standards, project teams will rebuild major portions of Anderson Dam. Work includes reconstructing the dam embankment and spillway, installing new outlet infrastructure and completing related roadway,
utility and environmental improvements. “The Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit project is a critical investment in the long-term prosperity of this community,” said Richard Grabinski, president of FD USA. “We are honored to continue our partnership with Valley Water and bring the full capabilities of FlatironDragados and Sukut to this landmark project that will benefit the region. This award reflects the strength of our people, our partnerships and our proven ability to deliver complex infrastructure that improves quality of life and supports future growth.” “This project draws on FlatironDragados’ experience delivering complex dam, water and seismic infrastructure,”
said Mike Costa, FlatironDragados senior vice president. “Together with Sukut, we will bring the technical expertise and local knowledge needed to safely rebuild Anderson Dam, strengthen this critical resource for generations to come. We look forward to continuing our longstanding collaborative work with Valley Water.” Anderson Reservoir is Santa Clara County’s largest surface reservoir and supports water supply, groundwater recharge and incidental flood protection for nearly 2 million residents. Valley Water lowered the reservoir level to 3 percent capacity in 2020 because of seismic safety concerns. The retrofit will strengthen the dam’s ability to withstand a major earthquake and allow the reservoir to return to normal operating levels once construction is complete. The FlatironDragados-Sukut joint venture brings specialized expertise in embankment dam construction. The team includes key personnel who helped deliver Northern California’s Calaveras Dam and Isabella Lake Dam. Both projects received the United States Society on Dams’ Excellence in Constructed Project Award, among other industry honors. FlatironDragados also is nearing completion of the Anderson Dam Tunnel as the prime contractor. Construction began in 2021 on the 1,700-ft.-long, 24-footdiameter tunnel that will serve as a permanent low-level outlet for Anderson Reservoir. The tunnel increases Valley Water’s ability to control reservoir levels and provides FlatironDragados photo critical infrastructure for the seismic retrofit. Construction of the seismic retrofit is expected to begin FlatironDragados announced that it is leading a joint venture with Sukut Construction to deliver the $1.9 billion in early 2027. Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit project.
Komatsu Reopens in Redding, Expands NorCal Support Komatsu announced the reopening of its company-owned branch in Redding, Calif., expanding its presence in Northern California. As Komatsu’s northernmost branch in California, the location serves as a strategic hub for construction and forestry operations throughout the region. The Redding branch will improve access to machines, rentals, parts and service, helping reduce travel distances and response times for equipment owners and operators in remote areas. The reopened facility will support both construction and forestry equipment operations, with a particular focus on serving Northern California’s forestry industry. Redding’s location provides convenient access to many of the region’s logging and timber operations, enabling Komatsu to better serve fleets working in demanding environments, according to Komatsu. The branch plans to expand its forestry equipment offerings and introduce additional forestry-focused solutions. “Forestry operations depend on reliable equipment and responsive support because every hour of downtime can affect production,” said Todd Gaspers, vice president of operations, Komatsu West.
“Reestablishing our presence in Redding brings our team closer to the people who rely on our equipment and services. Northern California has a strong forestry community, and this branch strengthens our ability to provide the parts, service and expertise needed to keep operations moving.” Visitors to the Redding branch will be able to purchase and rent equipment, order parts and receive local service and product support from Komatsu personnel. The reopening reflects Komatsu’s commitment to providing local expertise, dependable service and improved access to equipment and parts for operations throughout Northern California, according to Komatsu. The Redding branch will host an open house to showcase the newly reopened facility on Oct. 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Current and future customers are invited to attend to meet the team now responsible for the region, view new and used forestry and construction equipment and learn how Komatsu is strengthening local service, parts support and equipment resources. Komatsu photo The branch is located at 1164 Prestige The reopened facility will support both construction and forestry equipment Way in Redding. operations.
Construction Equipment Guide • California Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 44, 2026 • Page 3
THE POWER OF KNOWING TRACK ANY ASSET HELP REDUCE FUEL BURN HELP INCREASE UPTIME
DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT AND JOBSITES? NO MATTER WHAT SIZE YOUR FLEET MAY BE, VISIONLINK® TELLS YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. It eliminates guesswork so you can take informed action. An updated interface helps you improve fuel efficiency, reduce idle time and boost profitability across all your assets. VisionLink puts the power of knowing in your hands. Contact your California Cat dealer today for details.
SINCE 1956
SINCE 1931
SINCE 1936
hawthornecat.com San Diego 866-768-2075
holtca.com Central Northern California 888-294-9778
petersoncat.com Bay Area & Northern California, Oregon, and Southwest Washington 844-349-4353
© 2026 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow”, the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. VisionLink is a trademark of Caterpillar Inc., registered in the United States and in other countries.
Page 4 • October 4, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • California Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Work Begins On Training Facility at Vandenberg SFB The Air Force broke ground on its largest military construction project on Aug. 17, 2026, at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc in support of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program. The event marked the start of construction for a new, more than 170,000-sq.-ft. facility to support the Second Air Force and Air Education and Training Command’s Sentinel ICBM Formal Training Unit. Once complete, the FTU will serve as the instructional hub for the United States’ next generation of land-based nuclear deterrence, providing initial skills training for missile operators and advanced technical curriculum for
missile maintainers as they transition to the Sentinel weapon system. Korte Construction received a $114 million contract to serve as contractor. Speaking on behalf of the Vandenberg-based Sentinel Task Force Detachment 9, Lt. Col. Suzy Lamar said this milestone is a critical step in modernizing the nation’s nuclear triad. “This groundbreaking milestone is a visible testament to the continued momentum behind the Sentinel program,” said Lamar, the detachment’s commander. “Our task force is sharply focused on ensuring a seamless, coordinated
site transition from the Minuteman III to Sentinel, and capitalizing on the physical progress we see here today is essential to making that operational shift a reality.” Managing the Sentinel ICBM transition and integration efforts falls to the Sentinel Task Force, which was activated at Vandenberg on March 6, 2025. The task force is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the daily activities for local transition planning to deactivate legacy Minuteman III operational sites while deploying the Sentinel weapon system in an efficient and timely manner. The groundbreaking ceremony brought together military, industry and local civic leaders, alongside representatives from state and federal congressional offices, to commemorate the project’s kickoff and highlight the strong community partnership driving the Sentinel mission forward. The facility, slated to open in the early 2030s, aims to streamline future ICBM training through the integration of student instruction and lab curriculums. Through this consolidation, the Air Force plans to increase instructional collaboration while maximizing overall training efficiency to support ICBM training. By consolidating operations and maintenance training under one roof, the new facility will eliminate student transit times and spark daily collaboration between instructors and students, said Lt. Col. Luke Oman, 532nd Training Squadron commander. “This highly digital, modernized infrastructure ensures Vandenberg Space Force Base photo that Second Air Force is delivering combat-ready airmen The Air Force broke ground on its largest military construction project on Aug. 17, 2026, at Vandenberg Space Force who are fully prepared to operate and maintain the Sentinel system on day one,” he said. Base.
Work Starts On New Appellate SR 41 Expressway Project Courthouse Near San Jose Under Way in Madera County Officials gathered on Aug. 5, 2026, to break ground on a new, $89.5 million permanent home for the California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District in Sunnyvale, according to justicedesignnews. com. Attended by Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and other judicial leaders, the ceremony signals the start of a project that will replace the court’s long-term leased space in downtown San Jose, justicedesignnews.com reported. Situated at 605 W. El Camino Real, the 50,000-sq.-ft., two-story courthouse will sit on a 2-acre site that once housed a vacant
City of Sunnyvale photo
Santa Clara County Superior Court branch. “This is a landmark moment for local justice,” Klein said, according to justicedesignnews.com. The current court in San Jose lacks dedicated public screening areas and secure, separated circulation paths for the public, staff, and justices. The new facility will also help resolve a lack of nearby parking. A design-build contract was awarded to a partnership between Swinerton Builders and architectural firm Moore Ruble Yudell. The targeted completion date is September 2028. The new design focuses on sustainability, according to justicedesignnews.com. The facility is seeking LEED Silver certification; it will feature an all-electric infrastructure, onsite solar energy generation and electric vehicle charging stations. Drought-tolerant landscaping and high-performance building materials are other planned features. The Sixth Appellate District hears more than 900 appeals and disposes of roughly 500 writ petitions annually, covering Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties.
Construction began on June 11, 2026, on the State Route 41 Expressway Project in Madera County, according to sierranewsonline.com. Yarbs Grading and Paving, Inc. is the project’s general contractor. Officials said the $130 million transportation improvement project is the largest in the county’s history. The project entails widening a 4.6-mi. segment of SR 41 between avenues 10½ and 15. That heavily traveled corridor is used by residents, commuters and throng of visitors to Yosemite National Park each year, according to sierranewsonline.com. County officials also launched a new website, 41expressway.com, to provide realtime construction updates, project maps, videos and traffic information throughout the project’s duration. Construction is expected to continue through May 2028. The county is leading the project in coordination with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). It is designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve travel
times and allow for future residential and commercial growth along the corridor, according to sierranewsonline.com. Improvements include: • widening SR 41 to four lanes; • building a new southbound bridge over Avenue 11; • expanding the Intersection and improving the traffic signal at Avenue 12; and • modifying the existing intersection at Avenue 15. Madera County photo
Construction Equipment Guide • California Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 44, 2026 • Page 5
ALL WORK. NO WEAKNESS.
From loaders to excavators, N&S Tractor has all your CASE Construction equipment needs covered. Visit one of our locations today and put power, reliability, and performance to work for you.
CALIFORNIA COLUSA 1960 Highway 20 Colusa, CA 95932 Phone: (530) 458-2166 DIXON 793 N First Street Dixon, CA 95620 Phone: (916) 649-0096 DOS PALOS 2173 Blossom Street Dos Palos, CA 93620 Phone: (209) 392-2161 MERCED 600 S. State Highway 59 Merced, CA 95341 Phone: (209) 383-5888
REDDING 2535 Ellis Street Redding, CA 96001 Phone: (530) 245-9000 STOCKTON 1340 W. Charter Way Stockton, CA 95206 Phone: (209) 944-5500 STRATFORD 20280 Main St. Stratford, CA 93266 Phone: (559) 947-3301 TURLOCK 1215 West Glenwood Ave Turlock, CA 95380-5703 Phone: (209) 634-1777
WILLOWS 827 North Tehama St Willows, CA 95988 Phone: (530) 934-3382 YUBA CITY 3056 Colusa Highway Yuba City, CA 95993 Phone: (530) 923-7675 NEVADA RENO/SPARKS 1455 Glendale Ave. Sparks, NV 89431 Phone: (775) 358-5000
OREGON HARRISBURG 230 Sommerville Avenue Harrisburg, OR 97446 Phone: (541) 995-2262 HILLSBORO 185 W Main St. Ext. Hillsboro, OR 97123 Phone: (503) 648-4178 MADRAS 36 NW A Street Madras, OR 97741 Phone: (541) 475-2253
RICKREALL 9055 Rickreall Road Rickreall, OR 97371 Phone: (503) 363-2332 WOODBURN 2929 N. Pacific Highway Woodburn, OR 97071 Phone: (503) 981-0151
888-246-0892 NSTRACTOR.COM
Page 6 • October 4, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • California Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Widening 33 Bridges Accounts for Much of Project FREEWAY from page 1
“The project included infrastructure needed to support a managed express-lane system,” Gutierrez said. “This meant we needed to make improvements to electrical systems, tolling-related systems and upgrade the traffic management infrastructure.” Work on the 33 bridges presented some special challenges for the construction team. “We had to work on bridges over active railroad tracks and a bridge crossing over a flood-control channel,’ he said. “The work on the flood control crossing was limited to a defined period. As soon as they were able in the first allowable work season, our team completed substructure work for multiple construction stages. During bridge construction, our team worked closely with Union Pacific, Metrolink and utility owners.” Because of the heavy traffic, project planners decided to use night construction. Planners observed that drivers began having difficulty during Friday night closures, so the team shifted much of the work to Sunday night through Thursday. “These changes reduced the risks for both our crews and motorists,” Gutierrez said. For construction on the project, workers used a full fleet of construction equipment, including excavators, bulldozers, loaders, compactors, haul trucks and cranes. The team operated specialized drilling equipment for bridge foundation work and piles, including areas adjacent to railroads and utilities. Guiterrez sees that the work will have a great impact on freight haulers and regular drivers in Southern California. “I believe this project will improve mobility and travel-time reliability,” he said. “When the work is finished, we will have four general-purpose lanes and two express lanes in each direction through much of the project area. The job will also add a third freight lane along a 2-mi. segment north of Interstate 10 to accommodate heavy truck volume.” CEG (All photos courtesy of Skanska USA Civil West.)
The team operated specialized drilling equipment for bridge foundation work and piles, including areas adjacent to railroads and utilities.
Skanska’s work will include building roads, retaining walls and sound walls, widening bridges and making utility improvements.
For construction on the project, workers used a full fleet of construction equipment, including excavators, bulldozers, loaders, compactors, haul trucks and cranes. The concrete and asphalt demolished for the project are being crushed and reused as Class 2 aggregate base for the paving.
When finished, the work will have four general-purpose lanes and two express lanes in each direction through much of the project area.
I-15 extends carries motorists and trucks northward from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
Construction Equipment Guide • California Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 44, 2026 • Page 7
Next Issue Closes October 21st
Page 8 • October 4, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • California Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
The JCB Teleskid is four machines in one and the world’s only skid steer with a telescopic boom. Imagine what that does for efficiency. Actually, don’t imagine it. Instead, give the Teleskid a try and see how much more you can accomplish. Visit JCB.com to learn more.
N&S Tractor 1960 Highway 20 Colusa, CA 95932 (530) 458-2166
1340 W. Charter Way Stockton, CA 95206 (209) 944-5500
827 North Tehama St Willows, CA 95988 (530) 934-3382
2173 Blossom Street Dos Palos, CA 93620-2313 (209) 392-2161
20280 Main St. Stratford, CA 93266 (559) 947-3301
3056 Colusa Highway Yuba City, CA 95993 (530) 923-7675
600 S. State Highway 59 Merced, CA 95341-6928 (209) 383-5888
1215 West Glenwood Ave Turlock, CA 95380-5703 (209) 634-1777 www.nstractor.com
SoCal JCB 2860 S. Iowa Ave. Colton, CA 92324 (866) 522-7225 14480 Alondra Blvd. La Mirada, CA 90638 (866) 522-7225 www.socaljcb.com