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North Georgia Concrete Makes Strides On Parks Creek Reservoir Irwin Rapoport
CEG CORRESPONDENT
The city of Jefferson, Ga., broke ground in January 2026 on the $40 million Parks Creek Reservoir and Dam Project, which is being built by North Georgia Concrete Inc. (NGC) to provide a secure water supply for anticipated future growth. The project is expected to be completed toward the end of 2028. Planning for the project began in 2000. On Oct. 27, 2025, the city council awarded a $39.1 million contract to NGC. The reservoir will have a normal pool area of approximately 166 acres and a safe yield of 4 million gal. of water per day. The project includes a dam, intake structure, raw water pump station and withdrawal facilities on the North Oconee River, as well as a withdrawal structure at the dam and reservoir. Six potential locations were studied before the site at 2145 Lyle Field Rd., approximately 4.75 mi. northeast of the city, was selected. The project includes a 1,170-ft.-long earthen embankment dam approximately 97 ft. high above the existing stream channel. The spillway system includes a 91-ft.-tall reinforced concrete riser tower and 30-in. prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) principal spillway, along with a 400-ft.-wide earthen-channel
auxiliary spillway. Two raw water pipelines also are part of the project: 8,200 ft. of 20-in.-diameter ductile iron pipe from the river intake to the reservoir and 1,450 ft. of 20-in.diameter ductile iron pipe from the reservoir intake to the future water treatment facility. see RESERVOIR page 6
North Georgia Concrete photo
Tying rebar at Riser Tower foundation slab
Lower level of Reservoir Pump Station wet well
North Georgia Concrete photo
Final Beam Marks Milestone for Guitar-Shaped Terminal
HighNote Aviation rendering
The new HighNote Aviation executive terminal is being constructed by Sheridan Construction and was designed by Passero Associates.
Construction crews placed the final structural beam atop the new guitar-shaped executive terminal at Middle Georgia Regional Airport on Aug. 31, marking a major milestone for a project designed to combine aviation infrastructure with Macon’s musical heritage. The new HighNote Aviation executive terminal is being constructed by Sheridan Construction and was designed by Passero Associates. According to Macon-Bibb County, the two-story
facility will serve as the airport’s fixed-base operator (FBO) and is expected to be completed in early 2027. The topping-out milestone represents the completion of the building’s primary structural frame and brings the distinctive design into clearer view. “This is one of a kind not only in the state of Georgia, but probably nationwide,” Christy Kovac, Sheridan Construction president and CEO said, according
to 41NBC News. “I think it will be a sight to come see.” The building’s unusual geometry has presented construction challenges, with the structure incorporating the curves and angles needed to create its guitar-inspired appearance. According to Kovac, Sheridan’s team has worked to bring those elements together while maintaining the building’s musical theme. see TERMINAL page 8
Page 2 • September 30, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Georgia State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
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AGC Georgia Announces 2026 Skills Challenge Series Dates The Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia) announced the dates for the 2026 Skills Challenge Series, a premier workforce development event designed to showcase the skills and talents of construction students from high schools across Georgia. Taking place in eight regions throughout the state, this series provides students with opportunities to compete in core construction trades while demonstrating their abilities to industry professionals. 2026 AGC Georgia Skills Challenge Series Dates and Locations: • Oct. 21 — Northeast Georgia Skills Challenge — Gainesville • Oct. 22 — Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge — Rome • Oct. 29 — Central Georgia Skills Challenge — Perry • Nov. 4 — West Georgia Skills Challenge — Columbus • Nov. 5 — South + Southwest Georgia Skills Challenge — Moultrie • Nov. 10 — Metro Atlanta Skills Challenge — Marietta • Nov. 11 — Southeast Georgia Skills Challenge — Statesboro • Nov. 19 — East Georgia Skills Challenge — Augusta
The 2026 Skills Challenge Series features competitions in blueprint reading, cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, teamworks, welding and welding fabrication. Additional categories such as broadcast news production, heavy equipment operations, HVAC, metal studs/drywall, roofing and sheet metal are offered at select locations. These events provide students with valuable hands-on experiences, opportunities to test their skills against their peers and direct engagement with industry professionals who volunteer their time to mentor and inspire Georgia’s future construction workforce. “The Skills Challenge Series is more than a competition. It is an investment in the future of Georgia’s construction workforce,” said AGC Georgia CEO Zach Fields. “Each year, students demonstrate an impressive level of dedication and professionalism while gaining exposure to rewarding, high-paying construction careers that can be entered without the burden of student debt. Their participation highlights the strength of Georgia’s emerging talent pipeline and the vital role skilled trades will continue to play in supporting our state’s growth and
prosperity.” In 2025, the AGC Georgia Skills Challenge Series welcomed more than 2,300 student competitors and observers representing 108 schools, along with nearly 350 industry firms. The strong turnout reflects growing interest in construction careers among young people, particularly among members of what many call “Generation Toolbelt,” a new wave of students seeking handson learning experiences. As awareness continues to grow about the strong earning potential in high-demand skilled trades, the construction industry’s commitment to workforce development is helping drive increased enrollment in apprenticeships and career and technical education programs. These workforce development events are made possible through the generous support of industry leaders and the dedication of regional contractor champions who contribute countless volunteer hours to their success. This year’s host contractors include Ace Electric Inc., Batson-Cook Construction, Brasfield & Gorrie, Carroll Daniel, Choate Construction Company, Dabbs Williams, Duffey Southeast Inc., Freeman & Associates, GoldMech,
JCI Contractors, MetroPower, Parrish Construction Group Inc., R. W. Allen Construction, RaLin, Silver Sheet Metal Inc. and West Construction Company. In addition to the competitions, the AGC Georgia Skills Challenge Series attracts a wide range of influential stakeholders including state legislators, school superintendents, high school counselors, mayors, school board members and leaders from the Georgia Department of Education, Technical College System of Georgia, SkillsUSA Georgia and workforce development industry partner, Construction Ready. Their involvement highlights the collaboration around the importance of skilled trades education in meeting Georgia’s economic and infrastructure needs. Students who are members of SkillsUSA Georgia and compete in cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, teamworks, welding and welding fabrication are eligible to earn a bid to SkillsUSA Georgia’s State Leadership and Skills Conference (SLSC), which will be held on March 11-13, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress Center. For more information, visit agcga.org/ skills.
Atlanta Beltline Celebrates Northwest Trail Groundbreaking On a sunny morning at Atlanta Technology Center, partners and community members gathered with shovels in hand to celebrate the start of construction on the Beltline’s Northwest Trail — Segment 3B. The groundbreaking marks another significant milestone toward completing the 22-mi. loop that connects residents and visitors across Atlanta. Once complete, Segment 3B will provide a safe crossing over
Northside Drive through the construction of a new pedestrian bridge, allowing the trail to continue seamlessly under I-75 before connecting to the completed Northside Trail. The project builds on the momentum of Segment 3A, which is adjacent to Monday Night Brewing — The Grove. “Every mile of the Atlanta Beltline brings us closer to a fully connected trail network, but the real impact is what that connectivity
makes possible for people and communities,” said Clyde Higgs, president and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “Northwest Trail — Segment 3B removes a significant barrier at Northside Drive, creates safer access for people walking and biking, and connects four northwest Atlanta neighborhoods to the broader Beltline network. This is what it looks like when public infrastructure is designed to connect people to neighborhoods,
Atlanta Beltline photo
Partners and community members gathered with shovels to celebrate the start of construction on the Beltline’s Northwest Trail — Segment 3B.
destinations and opportunity.” The full completed Northwest Trail will stretch approximately 1.2 mi., beginning at Trabert Avenue near Monday Night Brewing’s parking lot and extending from Northside Drive to Tanyard Creek Park. To improve efficiency, construction has been divided into two phases: Section A (0.2 mi.) and Section B (1 mi.). “As a Georgia Tech alumnus, I’m excited to see the Beltline extending its connection to Georgia Tech while connecting surrounding neighborhoods and prioritizing safety,” said Mayor Andre Dickens, city of Atlanta. “Segment 3B will create vital connections through an area where the trail cannot simply follow the former rail corridor. In alignment with our Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, we are building this connection strategically, and with the community in mind. This new segment moves us closer to our goal of creating safer, healthier and better-connected neighborhoods where every resident can benefit
from Atlanta’s growth.” The project, improving connectivity for the Underwood Hills, Collier Hills, Channing Valley, Loring Heights and Ardmore neighborhoods includes the construction of a 14-ft.-wide multi-use trail, an elevated trail structure, the signature pedestrian bridge over Northside Drive, lighting, security cameras, stainlesssteel handrails and guardrails and extensive landscape installation in partnership with Trees Atlanta. Designed by Kaizen, constructed by Strack, and managed by PATH Foundation, the project is a collaborative effort of public and private partners working together to expand Atlanta’s trail network. As construction begins, Northwest Trail — Segment 3B moves the Beltline one step closer to realizing its vision of connecting 45 neighborhoods with worldclass trails, parks, and economic opportunity for generations to come. For more information, visit beltline.org.
Construction Equipment Guide • Georgia State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 30, 2026 • Page 5
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Page 6 • September 30, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Georgia State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
New Reservoir Meets Stringent Safety Requirements RESERVOIR from page 1
The reservoir will be approximately 82 ft. deep and have a capacity of 1.3 billion gallons. The project was designed by Schnabel Engineering LLC for the dam and reservoir and Goodwyn Mills Cawood for the pump stations and pipelines. “Several significant engineering challenges had to be addressed,” Jon Dean, Schnabel’s engineer of record, told Construction Equipment Guide. “The dam is classified as a Category I [high hazard] structure because a failure could result in loss of life downstream. As a result, it was required to satisfy some of the most stringent dam safety criteria in Georgia, including safely managing the Probable Maximum Precipitation [PMP] storm event.” The site contains floodplain alluvial soils, existing undocumented fills, residual Piedmont soils, partially weathered rock and bedrock with variable fracturing. “Engineers and geologists had to perform extensive drilling, rock coring, packer permeability testing, seismic refraction surveys and borehole televiewer investigations to understand seepage pathways and foundation behavior,” Dean said. “Soft and unsuitable floodplain soils must be removed before embankment construction.” The dam design incorporates a low-permeability core, chimney, blanket, trench and toe drains and filtered drainage collection systems to control seepage and internal erosion. During analyses, peak inflow during the full PMP event approached 22,000 cu. ft. per second. The auxiliary spillway was sized to discharge more than 15,000 cu. ft. per second, while the embankment crest remains above the modeled PMP water surface without overtopping. The reservoir also must meet U.S.Army Corps of Engineers permit requirements for water quality management. “To accomplish this, designers incorporated a selective withdrawal system with seven intake elevations that allow operators to blend water from different levels of the reservoir to optimize downstream release quality,” Dean said. The site was selected in part because Parks Creek flows through a relatively narrow valley with steep abutments. “This allows a 159-acre reservoir to be created with a
Broad view of left side of dam location
1,170-foot-long dam, making the project economically efficient,” Dean said. “The dam is founded primarily on residual Piedmont soils and bedrock capable of supporting the embankment and spillway structures without extensive foundation modifications.” Another advantage is the availability of suitable construction materials on-site, which reduces hauling requirements and costs. The Parks Creek Reservoir is an off-stream pumpedstorage reservoir. Rather than relying primarily on watershed runoff, it will be filled by pumping water from the North Oconee River. “This allows the city to store water during periods of availability and improve supply reliability while limiting environmental challenges of a more traditional on-stream reservoir,” Dean said. The dam will require approximately 500,000 cu. yds. of engineered zoned fill. Construction Progress NGC accesses the construction site via Lyle Field Road and Apple Valley Road. Approximately 10 months into the work, NGC had completed the 5,800-linear-ft. access road for the North Oconee River Pump Station and approximately 95 percent of the 20-in. raw water line installation from the North Oconee River. The 33-ft.-deep wet well for the North Oconee River Pump Station has been poured, as has the bottom section of the three-story Reservoir Pump Station wet well. Over the next year, crews will focus on installing 600 linear ft. of 30-in. PCCP principal spillway, constructing the 90-ft.-tall riser tower, installing storm drainage and blanket, trench and chimney drain systems. Other work will include installation of the riprap waveprotection system, setting the 98-linear-ft. riser access bridge and construction of the North Oconee River Pump Station and Reservoir Pump Station buildings. The Reservoir Pump Station pumps will be installed under a separate contract. see RESERVOIR page 10
North Georgia Concrete photo
North Georgia Concrete photo
Breaking rock at Reservoir Foundation location
Forms for Reservoir Foundation
Broadview of left side of dam location
North Georgia Concrete photo
North Georgia Concrete photo
Construction Equipment Guide • Georgia State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 30, 2026 • Page 7
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Page 8 • September 30, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Georgia State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Crews Top Off New Terminal at Middle Georgia Airport
Macon-Bibb County screenshot
The topping-out milestone represents the completion of the building’s primary structural frame and brings the distinctive design into clearer view. TERMINAL from page 1
The original project specifications call for a two-story mass-timber structure totaling approximately 17,936 sq. ft., with 8,749 sq. ft. on the first floor and 9,187 sq. ft. on the second floor, according to Macon-Bibb County bid documents. The building is designed to resemble a guitar when viewed from above. Plans also call for a porte-cochere extending over portions of the parking area, security fencing, access to the existing aircraft apron, a TPO roof, specialty lighting, a 15-degree angled glazing system, a structural skylight and stucco exterior, according to the project specifications. The architectural design extends the music theme to the building’s façade, which is intended to evoke a piano keyboard. The facility also will incorporate features intended to make it more than simply a passenger processing area. According to Macon-Bibb County, the terminal will include a conference room for business and aviation meetings, a restaurant and bar with an outdoor patio overlooking the airfield, office space, a pilot store, an FBO lobby and a dedicated flight-planning area. Plans also include an event lawn, a second-floor balcony overlooking the airport and space for a flight school. The project grew out of Macon-Bibb County’s efforts to modernize the airport and strengthen its role as an economicdevelopment asset. According to the county, the new executive terminal will provide a modern gateway for visitors arriving by private and corporate aircraft while showcasing Macon’s music history. Airport Aviation Director Doug Faour said the facility will be particularly important to business leaders who use the airport while
evaluating the region for investment. “Individuals that are coming here to determine if they’re going to make a decision to do business here in Macon,” Faour said, according to 41NBC. “This is a first impression.” The terminal also is being built as the airport undergoes other improvements. According to Macon-Bibb County, Runway 5 is being extended by 600 ft., increasing its length from 6,501 to 7,101 ft. The extension is intended to accommodate larger aircraft and improve the airport’s ability to support commercial and charter operations. The airport project also has provided construction and economic activity in the region. According to Sheridan Construction, the terminal project has contributed to local workforce development and increased purchases of Georgia-made materials.
Macon-Bibb County screenshot
Construction crews placed the final structural beam atop the new guitar-shaped executive terminal at Middle Georgia Regional Airport on Aug. 31.
“The workforce development that it’s brought here to Macon, and the purchasing of local Georgia materials, huge impact with dollars staying right here in Macon-Bibb County and Georgia,” Kovac said, according to 41NBC. The terminal is being developed for HighNote Aviation, the county-operated FBO at Middle Georgia Regional Airport. Macon-Bibb County broke ground on the project in October 2025. According to the county’s original construction documents, the contract called for construction to be completed within 420 calendar days of the issuance of the notice to proceed. The county later indicated the overall project was expected to be completed in early 2027. The project is being financed through Macon-Bibb County’s industrial
development efforts rather than direct taxpayer funding. Mayor Lester Miller reiterated following the topping-out ceremony that no taxpayer money is being used for the project, according to 41NBC. With the final beam now in place, crews can move into the next stages of construction as the building takes its final form. The remaining work will include enclosing the structure, completing the building envelope and installing interior systems and finishes before the facility opens. The completed terminal is expected to open by May 2027, according to 41NBC. For an airport that already plays an important role in Middle Georgia’s aviation and industrial sectors, the new facility is intended to provide a highly visible new front door — one that reflects the city’s identity before visitors even leave the airport. CEG
HighNote Aviation rendering
According to Macon-Bibb County, the two-story facility will serve as the airport’s fixed-base operator (FBO) and is expected to be completed in early 2027.
Construction Equipment Guide • Georgia State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 30, 2026 • Page 9
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Structural Concrete, Reinforcing Beams Major Dam Materials RESERVOIR from page 6
“This project is fairly straightforward,” Spencer Brooks, NGC’s project manager, told Construction Equipment Guide. “The challenge on this project is to coordinate the dam and reservoir work with the work on the two pump stations and the raw waterline work. All three need to be managed concurrently so that they come across the finish line together.” A major power line installation also is under way in the area to provide power to the new pump stations and future water treatment plant. “The dam project does have a few specialty materials which have extended procurement lead times,” Brooks said. “In cases where certain items take longer to get, we have to be creative and do our best to move the project along in areas that are not affected by the lead times. “There have been no major construction issues so far. We have not had any groundwater problems to deal with. There are some seasonal restrictions related to clearing and grubbing. The city is very engaged. They attend every monthly update meeting.” Clearing operations began in January 2026 and continued through March. Crews first cleared the dam site, followed by the reservoir and North Oconee access road and pump station site. Much of the tree debris was mulched and reused for temporary erosion control. “The plan of attack was to get the timbering, clearing and Phase 1 erosion control items installed so we could begin construction on the dam site and get the pump stations underway,” Brooks said. The project has two primary components: the dam and reservoir site and the 20-in. ductile iron raw water line and two pump stations connecting the North Oconee River and reservoir. The initial goal for the dam and reservoir site is to install the principal spillway pipe, construct roughly the first third of the riser tower and build a large earthen cofferdam.
North Georgia Concrete photo
View looking downstream of 30-in. PCCP location
“Once these are complete, it will allow us to reroute the creek water through the principal spillway pipe, which will convey the water through the dam site,” Brooks said. The dam design calls for different soil classifications to be placed in specific zones. Select material forms the less-permeable clay core, while other structural material is placed on the upstream side. Material making up most of the embankment contains a higher proportion of rock and silt. “The earthen material for the dam will be excavated from on-site borrow pits, which helps reduce cost and improve efficiency,” Brooks said. “Temporary haul roads are constructed across the site to allow trucks and equipment to move safely between excavation areas and placement zones.” A variety of excavators, dozers and off-road haul trucks are being used for grading. Key pieces include Komatsu PC360LC through PC490LC excavators and a SANY 500 excavator. The excavators load material into Komatsu 400 articulated haul trucks capable of transporting approximately 40 tons per load. “On productive days, trucks can complete up to 50 loads,” Brooks said. Land-clearing operations relied on Tigercat skidders, excavators fitted with grapples and other attachments, feller bunchers and chippers. For concrete structure work, NGC used a KOBELCO crawler crane and a Link-Belt 138 crawler crane to lift reinforcing steel, structural components and concrete forms. Komatsu PC390 and PC210 excavators and PC270 loaders are among the large tracked and wheeled machines used for site preparation and material movement.
Managing Multiple Crews NGC typically has one to four crews, totaling 10 to 40 people, on-site performing work related to the concrete structures. “Depending on the stage of the project, we could have a grading subcontractor, a building/pump station subcontractor and a pipe crew on-site,” Brooks said. North Georgia Pipeline Inc. is performing grading and excavation. J&K Utilities Inc. of Jefferson is installing the 20-in. ductile iron lines carrying raw water from the North Oconee River to the reservoir and connecting the reservoir to the future water treatment plant. J. Brennon Construction Inc. of Dalton is handling the pump station and building work, while GeoHydro Engineers of Kennesaw is performing quality control and testing. Approximately 40,000 tons of natural river sand will be used for the dam’s underdrain system, along with approximately 2,500 cu. yds. of structural concrete, reinforcing steel, steel beams and various types and sizes of pipe, including 9,600 linear ft. of 20-in. DIP and 600 linear ft. of 30-in. PCCP. NGC uses a combination of company-owned and rental equipment. “North Georgia Concrete relies on in-house technicians who perform regular maintenance and repairs rather than keeping full-time mechanics on-site,” Brooks said. “Rental equipment from multiple suppliers supplements the company’s fleet, ensuring that additional machines can be mobilized quickly when needed. “We maintain good relationships with the local and regional equipment dealerships and rental companies. We rely on them often as our week-over-week project fleet needs change.” CEG
North Georgia Concrete photo
Pouring dental concrete to smooth out depressions in rock
North Georgia Concrete photo
Sand blanket and coarse aggregate drain installation
North Georgia Concrete photo
Pouring concrete in Riser Tower foundation slab
Construction Equipment Guide • Georgia State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 30, 2026 • Page 11
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