Project Details

Taxiway "A" Reconstruction and Realignment including Apron Expansion at the Athens - Ben Epps Airport.  The sub-project shall address the deteriorating pavement section for the majority of existing Taxiway "A" as well as several connecting taxiways by utilizing a combination of full depth reconstruction and asphalt overlay rehabilitation.  In addition, the Terminal Apron will be expanded southward to provide additional aircraft parking.  Related work will include grading, storm water, and taxiway safety area improvements.   Taxiway edge lighting and signage, (new and relocated), will be incorporated in the project along with new pavement markings.  GDOT expects to award the grant for Taxiway “A” construction during FY21 or as soon as Design Phase Services are completed.

Project Updates

Mayor & Commission  approved the design services contract to develop the Project Concept on February 4, 2020.  The Proposed Project Concept was deemed consistent with the initial project statement by TSPLOST COC on March 16, 2020. On March 17, 2020, M&C approved the Project Concept and authorized staff to move the project onto the Bid and Award Phase for TSPLOST 2018 Project #01 Sub-Project 3, Taxiway “A” construction. On April 2, 2020 ACCGov advertised for bids for the Taxiway “A” construction project.   Bids were received on May 28, 2020.  The award for the Schedule A portion of SP #3 was approved by M&C on July 7, 2020.   There was not enough funding from GDOT or FAA to be able to award Schedule B portion of the Taxiway A.  Formal announcement of the grant award from the FAA has been delayed.  Notice to Proceed was delayed by GDOT from original projection of March but it was issued on April 12, 2021.Unexpected shallow rock was encountered and a waterline could not be lowered, without considerable expense.  A waiver has been received from the FAA and redesign work has been completed.

Due to construction issues, the completion of the work is being put out for bid. A Work Authorization is being submitted to M&C from RS&H for the Repackaging of the Taxiway A project.  This will include the complete Redesign and Rebidding and, if approved, will begin on May 3 after the M&C meeting.

  The Proposed schedule dates are as shown below:

1.    Design Phase Services            02/04/20 – 07/14/20 - Complete

2.    Project Concept Approved     03/17/20 - Complete

3.    Bidding through bid opening     04/02/20 – 04/30/20 - Complete

4.    Contract Award by ACCGov     07/07/20 - Complete

5.    Grant Award Letter from GDOT     07/08/20 - Complete

6.    Redesign conducted by RS&H        05/03/23– 09/15/23 - The Design date has been extended due to the importance for accuracy in the Geotech and survey work.  The project has enhanced this work to make sure all rock is being accounted for prior to starting up again.  The airport has met with RS&H on a 30% and 90% plan completion.  The airport expects RS&H to have the 100% plan completion to us by 9/15/23. - Complete

7.    Bid Announcement             October 2023 - Complete

8.    Bid Opening                 October/November 2023 - Complete

9.    Contract Award            December 2023 - Complete

10.    Construction Restart            January 2024

11.    Construction Completion Anticipated      August 2024

Key Project Statistics

• Designer: Holt Consulting Company
• Contractor: Astra Group, LLC
• Program Manager: Jacobs Engineering
• Original SPLOST Budget: TBD
• Total Cost: TBD
• Completion Date: TBD