The new bridge will be just over 950 feet long and will consist of eight spans with 54-inch FIB girders. Preparing to build the structure required significant advance planning, including site preparation and material coordination. The project also requires the installation of more than 900 linear feet of temporary work bridge to provide construction access.

SCI’s Support Services Division has kept equipment and supplies moving to the site, making multiple trips each week since in-water work began. That support will continue over the next several months.

The current in-water work window runs through Feb. 15, 2027, and is designed to protect aquatic species, including Atlantic sturgeon. The team is on track to complete the new structure by or ahead of that deadline. The existing bridge will be removed in a second in-water season.

Reaching the in-water milestone on schedule reflects SCI’s ability to align planning, field operations, logistics, and resources across divisions to keep complex projects moving.

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At Ponder in Wendell, Sanford Contractors is supporting two phases totaling approximately 90 acres and 265 lots, with work on Phase 3 recently underway. The size of the project speaks to SCI’s capacity, but the day-to-day work depends just as much on close coordination and accountability.

Ponder also continues a relationship with Brookfield Residential, formerly Newland Communities, that spans more than 20 years. That history includes SCI’s site-development work across 1,500 acres at Wendell Falls, one of the Triangle’s largest mixed-use master-planned communities.

At Wendell Falls, SCI’s role grew as the community expanded and its needs changed. Early in Brookfield’s ownership, SCI worked with the owner and design team to evaluate existing infrastructure, support initial lot segmentation, and prepare for the first amenity site. Detailed budgeting, value engineering for rock excavation, and scheduling aligned with sales forecasts helped Brookfield make informed decisions and keep construction in step with the community’s larger plans.

That experience shapes the work at Ponder today. On a project of this size, phasing is about much more than dividing the acreage. Sitework, utilities, materials, inspections, and the work of other project partners all need to happen in the right sequence. Clear communication among the owner, design team, and field teams is what keeps that sequence on track.

For SCI, the move from Wendell Falls to Ponder represents more than a transition from one project to another. It builds on decades of experience supporting large-scale, multiphase residential development through responsive planning, technical expertise, and close attention to each project’s goals. The acreage and lot count demonstrate SCI’s capacity, while the work across both developments reflects Sanford Contractors’ approach to that scale: accountability from one phase, and one community, to the next.

The post Ponder: Managing Residential Growth at Scale appeared first on Sanford Contractors.

The 2026 Construction Academy welcomed its largest class to date, with 14 high school students from Lee and Harnett counties participating in the nine-week paid pre-apprenticeship program. Students began the summer with orientation, safety training, and an introduction to Sanford Contractors before joining project teams across the company.

Working alongside experienced team members, students built practical skills, explored a variety of construction careers, and earned college credit through Central Carolina Community College. Each participant was paired with a dedicated mentor who provided guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the duration of the program.

Sanford Contractors also welcomed seven college interns who spent the summer contributing to projects across the company. Through project assignments, interns had a chance to connect what they’ve learned in school to real-world responsibilities while developing skills in communication, planning, teamwork, and problem-solving. Visits to additional Sanford Contractors jobsites gave them a broader understanding of the company’s divisions, project types, and various career paths within the construction industry.

As both summer programs come to a close, students, mentors, families, and the Sanford Contractors team are preparing to celebrate this year’s participants and all they have accomplished throughout the summer. Sanford Contractors is proud of the commitment each student demonstrated and grateful to the mentors and project teams who invested their time and experience to help them succeed.

The Construction Academy and College Internship Programs reflect Sanford Contractors’ commitment to developing the next generation of construction professionals. Through hands-on learning, meaningful mentorship, and exposure to active projects, students gain valuable experience while discovering where a career in construction can take them.

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When David joined Sanford Contractors in 1993, he was given the opportunity to build the Utility Division from the ground up. Over the next three decades, he grew it into one of the company’s core divisions, completing hundreds of utility projects, building lasting relationships with owners and partners, and developing a team prepared to carry the division forward.

As David prepares for retirement, we asked him to reflect on the career, people, and lessons that have meant the most to him.

What first brought you to Sanford Contractors 33 years ago?

I worked alongside Sanford Contractors on projects for several years before joining the company. When the opportunity came to build the Utility Division, it felt like the right next step. The chance to build something from the ground up was exciting.

What were some of the biggest challenges in getting the Utility Division off the ground?

We were starting from scratch, and building the team was the biggest challenge. I remember bidding one of our first major utility projects for the City of Sanford before we even had a crew in place. We took a chance, hired good people, and kept growing from there. Over time, we expanded from a couple of crews into a division completing complex projects across the region.

Looking back, what accomplishments are you most proud of?

I’m proud of everything the Utility Division has accomplished, but the relationships we’ve built stand out most. Some of our clients have been with us since the early days of the division, and I think that says a lot about how we’ve always done business.

On a personal level, I’m grateful I was able to build a career doing something I genuinely enjoyed. My dad was a construction superintendent, and watching him go to work every day showed me early on what I wanted to do. I’m fortunate to say I enjoyed going to work every day.

Is there a project you’ll never forget?

The utility improvements around the Market House in downtown Fayetteville always stand out. It was one of our first major design-build utility projects and among the most technically challenging.

Because the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, every detail mattered. We documented nearby buildings before construction, monitored vibration throughout the project, and used vacuum excavation in many areas to protect existing infrastructure before bringing in heavier equipment. It required careful planning, patience, and teamwork, and it showed what our crews could do when quality and attention to detail mattered most.

How has the company changed the most since you started? What has stayed the same?

Technology has changed nearly everything, from how we estimate work to the equipment we use in the field.

What hasn’t changed are the company’s values. We’ve always focused on building quality projects, taking care of our clients, and building lasting relationships. That was true when I started, and it remains true today.

You’ve mentored many younger employees throughout your career. Why has that always been important to you?

Early in my career, a superintendent took me under his wing. I still remember a piece of advice he gave me: “You’ll be okay if you remember we don’t install pipe with an airplane.”

He was reminding me to slow down, take my time, and do things the right way. That lesson stuck with me, and I’ve always believed it’s important to pass those lessons on. Someone invested in me early in my career, and I’ve tried to do the same for the next generation.

Watching people grow into leaders has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. If I could leave younger employees with one piece of advice, it would be this: do your best, take responsibility for your actions, and always be honest. Everyone makes mistakes. If you’re honest about them, we can work through them together. Trying to cover something up only makes it worse.

Looking at today’s Utility Division, what gives you confidence about its future?

We have good people in place. They are capable, committed to quality work, and have grown into strong leaders. Our leaders and teams know how to keep jobs moving, mentor the next generation, and take care of our clients. That gives me confidence that the Utility Division is in good hands.

Once you’ve retired, what do you hope your teammates remember most about you?

I hope they remember that I was fair and always had their best interests at heart. My responsibility was making sure our people always had work and the support they needed to succeed. I enjoyed that responsibility, and letting go of the reins has probably been the hardest part of preparing to retire.

What are you looking forward to most in retirement?

I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and making more trips to the mountains. My wife and I have always enjoyed spending time around Blowing Rock and Boone, and we’ll have more opportunities to do that now.

When you look back on 33 years with Sanford Contractors, how would you define a successful career?

Being proud of the work we’ve done, knowing we took care of our clients, providing for my family, and seeing the people around me succeed. I think that’s what makes a career successful.

For 33 years, David’s leadership helped shape not only the Utility Division, but also the people within it. Through his commitment to quality, accountability, and mentorship, he built a division defined by strong relationships and a culture that will continue long after his retirement. We cannot thank David enough for his dedicated service and wish him and his family all the best in his next chapter.

The post Building a Legacy: A Conversation with David Stike appeared first on Sanford Contractors.

Since joining Sanford Contractors four years ago as the company’s Safety Coordinator, Aaron has helped strengthen the company’s safety program through training, mentorship, and collaboration across every division. Drawing on leadership experience gained during 12 years in the U.S. Army and later as an educator, he believes the strongest safety cultures are built by developing people and empowering them to make good decisions.

“The military taught me that leadership is about helping people, not just being in charge,” Aaron said. “I’ve carried that with me throughout my career.”

That philosophy continues to guide his approach today. Rather than simply enforcing standards, Aaron sees himself as a resource for crews, helping field leaders solve problems, answer questions, and make informed decisions.

“Safety is proactive, not reactive,” Aaron said. “Planning ahead and having those conversations doesn’t slow the work down. It helps us do the job the right way.”

Aaron believes Sanford Contractors’ strong safety culture starts with people who take ownership every day. “Our culture is to look out for each other,” he said. “Safety isn’t one person’s responsibility. It’s something every member of our team contributes to.”

In addition to supporting project teams across the company, Aaron leads the Safety Committee and Risk Management Group while overseeing companywide safety training and education. He believes safety management is constantly evolving, making continuous learning and improvement essential for both individuals and the organization.

Outside of work, Aaron enjoys reading, exercising, target shooting, and spending time with his family.

For Aaron, the most rewarding part of his role is simple: “I try to learn something new and help someone every single day.”

The post Aaron Hayes: Safety Starts With People appeared first on Sanford Contractors.

Central Carolina Community College, Lee County Schools, Western Harnett High School, Grace Christian, Ascend Leadership Academy, Central Carolina Academy, ApprenticeshipNC, and Carolinas AGC for their partnership. Their continued support has helped connect students with real-world career opportunities while building a stronger pipeline of future construction professionals.

This recognition reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students and strengthening the future workforce in our communities.

The post Sanford Contractors Construction Academy Wins CAGC Community Impact Award appeared first on Sanford Contractors.

Training sessions and safety discussions were held across multiple divisions throughout the week, reinforcing the importance of preparation, accountability, and ongoing communication on all active jobsites. Daily jobsite huddles also included additional reminders and conversations centered around the special topic of fall protection and related safe work practices.

Sanford Contractors appreciates the support of industry and community partners who helped lead this year’s training efforts, including Sunstate Equipment’s Trench Safety Division, Travelers Insurance, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Certified Safety Experts.

Construction Safety Week serves as an annual opportunity for companies across the industry to reinforce the habits and responsibilities that support safe operations year-round. At Sanford Contractors, safety remains a shared responsibility and a daily commitment across every jobsite.

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Awarded to SCI in January 2025 by the NCDOT, these projects are now moving into construction, with crews beginning work in April 2026. These reconstruction projects represent an important step in restoring access for local residents and reconnecting key routes throughout the Burnsville community.

Sanford Contractors will replace three bridges:

Bridges 62 and 100 will be constructed in phases to help maintain access for nearby residents throughout construction. The original structures at both locations were washed away during the storm, and temporary railcar crossings were installed to provide interim access until permanent replacements can be built.

At Bridge 97, the previous structure was also destroyed, and the crossing has remained inaccessible since the storm. This location serves as a critical connection across the South Toe River, and restoring this crossing will provide an important benefit to the surrounding community.

Rebuilding after major storms takes coordination and strong partners. Sanford Contractors is proud to support these efforts by delivering structures that will serve Yancey County for years to come.

The post Sanford Contractors Begins Bridge Reconstruction in Yancey County appeared first on Sanford Contractors.

Sanford Contractors was proud to partner with Samet Corporation to deliver the new main Lee County Library to our community. The nearly 34,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility was designed by Vines Architecture to serve as a modern, accessible space for learning, connection, and community engagement. Projects like this come together through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to creating spaces that serve people for generations.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Lisa Minter noted that the new library had been included in the County’s capital improvement planning as early as 1993, describing it as a vision more than 30 years in the making. Beth List shared that the library reflects Lee County’s commitment to putting people first, describing it as “not just a place for books, but a place for people… a true third place where everyone belongs.” Sanford Area Growth Alliance also discussed how investments in quality-of-life infrastructure like the new Lee County Library and the Lee County Athletic Park play an important role in supporting continued economic and workforce development across the region.

More than just a place to read, the library offers expanded resources and flexible spaces for a wide range of uses. The facility includes areas for public meetings, dedicated programming for children, teens, and adults, rentable rooms, outdoor gathering spaces, computer access, and convenient drive-up book return and pickup.

One of the most anticipated features is the new makerspace, equipped with 3D printers and creative tools made possible through the support of Kyowa Kirin. This addition reflects the library’s expanded role as a hub for innovation and hands-on learning across Lee County.

As Commercial Building Vice President Blake Baur shared, it is incredibly rewarding to see the impact our projects can have on the community. Hundreds attended the grand opening celebrations, with families, library staff, and local leaders gathering throughout the day, all brimming with excitement about the new facility.

From groundbreaking in November 2024 to delivering this facility this spring, Sanford Contractors is proud to have played a role in bringing this new library to life. We look forward to seeing how it supports learning, connection, and growth across Lee County in the years ahead.

The post Cutting the Ribbon on the Lee County Library’s Next Chapter appeared first on Sanford Contractors.

This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for a long-standing commercial site that has served the Sanford community since the 1980s. For decades, Riverbirch has been a place for shopping and connection. This redevelopment represents an opportunity to reinvest in the site and reintroduce it as a modern retail destination that reflects the needs of the community today.

The approximately 42-acre redevelopment will be anchored by Target and will introduce a new-to-market grocery store, along with additional retail offerings. Plans for the site include updated infrastructure, improved access, and a more functional layout designed to better serve both tenants and visitors.

The Riverbirch redevelopment is being led by CASTO in partnership with the City of Sanford, Lee County, and local economic development partners, working together to support continued investment in a key commercial corridor.

Sanford Contractors’ team is mobilizing on site at Riverbirch to begin demolition and site development, marking the start of construction activity. Work will be completed in phases to align with the overall development plan and support continued progress across the project.

Projects like Riverbirch reflect the value of strong partnerships. We are proud to work alongside CASTO and the broader team to help bring this project to life for the Sanford community.

The post Sanford Contractors Breaks Ground on Riverbirch Redevelopment appeared first on Sanford Contractors.