Alabama #7,2013 by Construction Equipment Guide

ALABAMA STATE EDITION

231

72 Florence

Huntsville

20 Decatur

565 59

A Supplement to:

231

431

Gadsden

78 59 Anniston

Birmingham Bessemer

82 Tuscaloosa

65 280

20 82 Auburn

Selma

Phenix City

Montgomery

April 3 2013 Vol. XXIV • No. 7

231

43 84 431 331

84 52 31

“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”

Dothan

65 98

Mobile

Your Alabama Connection • Rich Olivier, Atlanta, GA • 1-800-409-1479

Work Continues on Alabama’s ‘The Little Zoo That Could’ By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT

An Alabama zoo that made national headlines in the midst of two hurricanes is poised to make history again. Land has been cleared for the new Gulf Shores facility that will become the world’s first environmentally sustainable zoo. “It won’t be conventional in any sense,” said builder and architect Dennis Thomas, who designed the vertical zoo. “This is about thinking outside the box and creating a place that’s safe for animals and good for the environment.” The new Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will sit on elevated terrain protecting it from flooding due to hurricane storm surge, and the entire facility will be constructed to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds. It will aim for the highest recognition in environmental sustainability through LEED, which is Platinum certification. Zoo officials unveiled a billboard Structures and materials used on Alabama Route 59 announcing will be non-toxic, natural or their plans for the new zoo. organic, biodegradable and recyclable. Alternative power that will be user-friendly and show sources will be used including people how they too can have a solar panels, wind turbines, ground positive impact on the environsource heating pumps, ultraviolet ment.” The new zoo, which has light and propagated algae as a bioreceived the official go ahead from fuel. “It’s off the grid and totally the Gulf Shores city council, will green,” said Thomas, who has use the latest green technologies worked on projects all over the behind-the-scenes during daily world and helped design parts of operations and will offer educathe San Diego Zoo, as well as the tional displays and exhibits to help Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney visitors understand how the future World. “We’ve tried to keep the is being brought into the present. According to zoo Board natural flow of the land. We’ve got about 43 total acres of property, Chairman Steve Jones, “A signifiand we are extremely excited to cant amount of groundwork has have the opportunity to build a zoo been performed at the new loca-

Located less than a mi. north of the Gulf of Mexico, the current zoo was threatened by rising waters during 2004’s Hurricane Ivan and 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. A total of 270 animals and birds had to be evacuated to zoo director Patti Hall’s Elberta home before both storms.

tion, and an evacuation building has already been constructed. A number of funding grants have been submitted and are under consideration, and we have two individuals out seeking donors and funding from sources well outside this area. This project will gain worldwide attention once we begin going vertical, and we believe that will trigger other interests that want to be a part of this amazing new project.” All of the earthwork has been completed for enough zoo to be built and opened. The maintenance

building is the current office of new zoo development and will serve as construction offices and storage. The lakes are in and parking has been laid. During construction, crews used primarily John Deere equipment to complete a variety of tasks. Two large track hoes were used to dig the lakes, while front-end loaders relocated the soil that had to be moved in place. Close to $2 million has been spent on land preparation. Construction was overseen by David Hall, who said the new zoo will be like nothing visitors have

experienced before. In preparing the land, crews had to deal with long-abandoned farmland that included small ponds and oaks, much like a pasture. “We left the area pretty much as is, because it looked like an African plain, said. Thomas. “For some of the work we relied on a flatblade dozer, a road grader and an aggregate for the road itself. “With the lakes, for example, we had to lay things out and determine the amount of earth to be removed, which was around 3,000 cubic yards. One lake is five feet higher, and there are two lemur islands. The lemurs don’t swim, so the keeper, wearing rubber boots, will use a two-foot deep sunken walkway to service both islands.” Jones said, “The first goal will be to build enough infrastructure to move the animal population and get the operation up and running. That would entail night houses, a couple of exhibits, the gift shop and staff areas. The major larger areas of the zoo will grow as revenues allow. The entire project is not designed to be built out all at once, as the construction of new things is part of the evolution of the zoo. It lends interest and keeps things fresh for visitors. We’re hopeful that by end of this summer some funding sources will have been identified, materials can be ordered and construction can commence.” Located less than a mi. north of the Gulf of Mexico, the current zoo was threatened by rising waters during 2004’s Hurricane Ivan and 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. A total of 270 animals had to be evacuated to zoo director Patti Hall’s Elberta home before both storms. The fullscale evacuation even prompted a see ZOO page 2

Page 2 • April 3, 2013 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

New Alabama Zoo Built to Withstand Cat 5 Hurricanes ZOO from page 1

prime-time Animal Planet series that generated record attendance and donations to the nonprofit park. The show inspired local business owner Clyde Weir and his daughter Andrea Weir Franklin to initially donate 25 acres, so the zoo could relocate to a flood-resistant area just north of Baldwin County 6. According to Hall, who appeared on “Good Morning America” and was named ABC News’ Person of the Week after the evacuation, “We all knew what our purpose was and that was to save those animals’ lives, no matter what. All that we’ve gone through, everything we do now is for the well being of our animals, first and foremost. They are unbelievable motivators.” Zoo officials tease that while they feature all kinds of footprints, none of them will be of the carbon kind. The construction materials and sustainable practices of a green zoo make it less costly to build and maintain. Structures built to house not only the animals, but also to serve visitors, incorporate gradient heating and cooling which reduce utility expenses and keep everything produced by the zoo at the facility. For instance, waste water is treated and used elsewhere in the facility and used to grow food and fuel for the animals. Solid animal waste can be converted to fertilizers and nutrients that can be sold or used internally. “As far as animal safety, the structures that will be built can be designed and constructed to more accurately reflect the animals’ native environment,” Jones said. “They’ll be able to be in closer proximity to the visitors, which they enjoy. Animals need as much interaction with the public as much as we desire to see them.” Funding for the new zoo, however, remains a key issue. “Our project worksheets total between 25 to 28 million dollars for the entire project, were it to be built all at one time. For the initial construction, that would facilitate relocating and opening at the new location. We are in the neighborhood of eight and ten million dollars,” Jones said. “Our designers tell us that with enough funding we could build

“We all knew what our purpose was and that was to save those animals’ lives, no matter what. All that we’ve gone through, everything we do now is for the well being of our animals, first and foremost. They are unbelievable motivators.” Patti Hall Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

enough zoo within a year. The most challenging part of the process is being patient. Each day that passes at the current location is a risk, because each season may bring a potentially devastating storm that could require another evacuation. Also, keeping the excitement level where it needs to be for this to happen has been difficult, as over time, many in the area have come to believe this project will not happen.” Jones continued, “It’s taken a long time to get to this point. During that time there have been economic crashes nationally, major storms, the Deepwater Horizon Incident that threatened to destroy the entire economy of the Alabama Gulf Coast, and, of course, the challenge of searching for and being unable to secure funding for this project. It’s a multitude of things, but were it not for some of these delays, we would not have the grand plan that this zoo has evolved into.” Jones said that tourism will be a big part of the new zoo, which has experienced numerous obstacles. “The ‘Little Zoo That Could’ series captured the hearts of people all over the world. Fans of our zoo understand the fragile nature of the current location and want to see their beloved animals and friends in a safe place. As for the Gulf Coast, we are a region of doers. Although this area is vulnerable to natural disaster on a regular basis, each time we are challenged, what emerges is a stronger, more innovative community that is even better prepared for whatever happens. This one-of-a-kind project, first of its kind that we know of, will encourage not only zoo enthusiasts, but also design and construc-

tion engineers from around the world. This fascinating operation will draw visitors all year long, not just during the heavy summer tourism season.” The new facility also will offer educational opportunities for veterinary, construction and engineering students. “We can envision educational curriculum that uses the zoo as a living, working laboratory for the future of construction and animal care. It’s mind boggling to consider, but we would hope that a major university would express an interest in building an additional campus in close proximity, in order to have course offerings not available anywhere else. “As far as day-to-day operations,” said Thomas, “Right now we’re maintaining what we’ve already done as far as preparing the property. We tried to keep the flow of the land and support the wildlife already there. When developing vertically, you can have a positive impact on the land itself.” The zoo will supply its own water using captured runoff collection in basins, wells and reservoirs, in addition to growing some of its own food through special gardening. Waste and sewage management will be controlled onsite through composting, recycling and incineration and has been described as becoming its own eco-system. According to Thomas, it was important not to become overwhelmed by the design process, which called for an off-site building for maintenance and an animal hospital to be constructed early on. For Thomas and his team, long hours were invested in hopes of mapping out the appropriate

The new Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will sit on elevated terrain protecting it from flooding due to hurricane storm surge, and the entire facility will be constructed to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds. It will aim for the highest recognition in environmental sustainability through LEED, which is Platinum certification.

designs. “I’ve learned a lot from being involved in this line of work for about 30 years and I’ve seen a lot of mistakes made. I know what works and what doesn’t. The whole idea is about developing land that doesn’t have to destroy the environment and that can actually improve it. Also, consumers can learn from this new zoo, as far as applying these techniques to their own homes. If it can work here, it can work anywhere. “We’ll take the existing population at the old zoo and have a nice environment to come to, relocating them the first year to the new site and then closing the old one. Among the new exhibits will be one featuring the black rhino and a tiger splash. We’ll use a freight container for housing the tigers at night. There’s a tunnel that keepers can use like a cave. The outdoor structure is like a giant mountain with waterfalls, and you’ll see this

Indonesian-style rock that’s weathered and eroded. The container is great because it’s recycled and already built. It’s safe for the animals because it’s strong, with a weight of 643,000 pounds.” Zoo officials even unveiled a billboard on Alabama Route 59 announcing their plans for the new zoo, while also introducing a pair of rare Bengal cubs that make the zoo the only one in the country to boast a tiger in each of the species’ four color variations. Right off the same highway, a $3 million indoor water park also is being planned on 27 acres of land. Developers say Oceans Park will complement the zoo. The indoor water park will reportedly include everything from diving, snorkeling and up close marine life. Once zoo construction begins, the water park will follow. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s Web site at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.) CEG

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • April 3, 2013 • Page 3

Birmingham, AL 205-841-6666 Mobile, AL 251-633-4020 Montgomery, AL 334-262-6642

Volvo Construction Equipment

Huntsville / Decatur, AL 256-350-0006 Oxford, AL 256-832-5053 Pensacola, FL 850-479-3004

Page 4 • April 3, 2013 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • April 3, 2013 • Page 5

Page 4 • April 3, 2013 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • April 3, 2013 • Page 5

Page 6 • April 3, 2013 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega • Calhoun • Russell • Walker • Lawrence • Dekalb • Morgan • St. Clair • Tuscaloosa • Morgan • Shelby •Alabama… Bibb •Hale • Fayette • Marion • Winston • Cullman • Shelby • Chilton • Chambers • Covington • Baldwin • Clarke • Monroe • St. Clair • Chilton • Escambia• Montgomery • Jefferson • Russell • Fayette • Conecuh • Coffee • Geneva • Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega • Bibb • Coffee • Calhoun • Russell • • Walker• Lawrence• Dekalb • Morgan • St. Clair • Tuscaloosa • Bibb• Hale • Fayette • Monroe • Clarke • Winston • Cullman • Shelby • Chilton • Chambers • Covington • Baldwin • Clarke • Monroe • Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega

‘The Yellowhammer State’ Highway Project Lettings

The Alabama State Department of Transportation received bids for transportation-related improvement projects. Following is a list of some of the projects let. County: Conecuh Contract ID: 20121207001 Project: Planing, resurfacing, traffic stripe, drainage and guardrail on I-65 from near CR-6 to Murder Creek in Evergreen. Distance: 10.26 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Mobile Asphalt Company LLC — $17,062,508 • Apac Mid-South Inc. — $17,300,671 County: Lawrence Contract ID: 20121207006 Project: Constructing the bridge replacements (dual) and approaches on SR-20 (Alt. U.S.-72) at Fox Creek east of Hillsboro. Distance: 1.06 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Reed Contracting Services Inc. — $5,185,165 • Riley Bridge Company Inc. — $5,355,391 • Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $5,547,775 • HRI Bridge Corp. — $6,147,000 County: Marengo Contract ID: 20121207007 Project: Constructing the bridge replacement (WBR) and approaches on SR-8 (U.S.-80) at French Creek east of Demopolis. Distance: 1 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Alabama Bridge Builders Inc. — $4,187,963 • McInnis Construction LLC — $4,296,478 • Tomlin Construction LLC — $4,385,270 County: Montgomery Contract ID: 20121207010 Project: Constructing the interchange improvements (bridge widening, additional lanes and traffic signals) on I85 at Perry Hill Road (Exit 4) in Montgomery. Distance: .81 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Scott Bridge Company Inc. — $8,434,035 • W. S. Newell & Sons Inc. — $8,503,277 • McInnis Construction LLC — $8,729,650 • Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $9,831,951 County: Pike Contract ID: 20121207015 Project: Constructing the planing, resurfacing, traffic stripe and bridge replacement on CR-2201 and on CR-2214 at sites as indicated by the plans. Distance: 7.45 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Apac Mid-South Inc. — $1,721,608

• McInnis Construction LLC — $1,803,160 • Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $1,904,607 County: Mobile Contract ID: 20121207017 Project: Constructing the planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on CR-96 (Beverly Jefferies Highway and Prine Road) at sites as indicated by the plans. Distance: 12.25 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Mobile Asphalt Company LLC — $2,409,111 • Hosea O. Weaver & Sons Inc. — $2,568,021 • John G. Walton Construction Company Inc. — $2,681,147 County: St. Clair Contract ID: 20121207030 Project: Constructing the bridge replacement (bridge culvert) and approaches on SR-4 (U.S.-78) at Cane Creek southeast of Cooks Springs. Distance: .08 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Tri-County Construction Inc. — $973,850 • Abramson LLC — $1,042,977 • Alabama Bridge Builders Inc. — $1,158,591 • MSE Building Company Inc. — $1,179,319 • McCartney Construction Company Inc. — $1,282,544 • Carcel & G. Construction LLC — $1,306,143 County: Jefferson Contract ID: 20121207032

Project: Constructing the bridge replacement on CR-55 (Dickey Springs Road) at Shades Creek near Greenwood. Distance: .06 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Alabama Bridge Builders Inc. — $1,585,690 • McInnis Construction LLC — $1,899,732 County: Russell Contract ID: 20121207033 Project: Constructing the bridge replacement (bridge culvert) and approaches on SR-29 at Hatchechubbee Creek and at High Log Creek in Hatchechubbee. Distance: .51 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Alexander Contracting Company Inc. — $2,612,622 • W. S. Newell & Sons Inc. — $2,780,287 • Newell Roadbuilders Inc. — $2,820,383 • Robinson Paving Company Inc. — $2,826,938 • Scott Bridge Company Inc. — $3,322,594 County: Chilton Contract ID: 20121207047 Project: Constructing the planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on SR-6 (U.S.-82) from the Bibb county line through Maplesville to east of Mulberry Creek (MP 106.885). Distance: 8.01 mi. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Asphalt Contractors, Inc. — $1,501,015 • Wiregrass Construction Company, Inc. — $1,589,916 • Dunn Construction Company, Inc. — $1,808,385

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • April 3, 2013 • Page 7

www w.jcbvision.com

SHOW ORDINARY SKID STEERS THE DOOR

BEST IN

SAFETY

VISIBILITY

COMFORT

EFFICIENCY

SERVICEABILITY

Industry’s only side door entry

60% better than competition

33% larger cab

Up to $3,000 in annual fuel savings

24% better SAE s

Nobody rivals our vision JCB has alwayys been a visionary company, from the invention of the backhoe loader, to the only skid steer with a side door. Now, we’ve redesigned our skid steer from the ground up. We’ve given it greater visibility, increased accessibility and made it more comfortable – all without saccrificing safety. Step in our industry ’s only side door and you’ll learn why this is no ordinaryy skid steer. For more information visit www.jcbvision.com

become a fan at www.facebook.com/jcb or visit our blog: www.jcbdirt.com

LO C AT I O N S

www.jcbofalabama.com

8920 Weaver Avenue Leeds, AL 35094 205/699-2699 866/480-6125

791 Anderson Road Montgomery, AL 36110 334/262-8104 866/954-6522

30 Plunkett Ave. Anniston, AL 36201 256/240-9855

Page 8 • April 3, 2013 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

THE STRENGTH OF FOUR CORE BRANDS

In all areas of the road construction business, the WIRTGEN GROUP stands out through innovative solutions, recognized processes and a full range of modern products meeting the highest demands. It is these characteristics which have made the WIRTGEN GROUP the market leader for mobile road construction equipment. ROAD AND MINERAL TECHNOLOGIES

www.wirtgenamerica.com ALABAMA Alabaster Mobile Anniston Montgomery Birmingham The Shoals Area Decatur Tuscaloosa Dothan

GEORGIA Albany Hoschton Augusta Kennesaw Calhoun Macon Columbus Savannah Forest Park

FLORIDA Panama City Pensacola

SINCE 1943