25-044 | Enhancing EV Charging Infrastructure Through Phase 1 Construction Upgrades

Atlanta, GA | Mar 2025

As electric vehicle adoption accelerated, many existing EV charging locations required targeted construction upgrades to stay safe, code-compliant, and user-friendly. Phase 1 of this EV charging infrastructure effort focused on field-executed improvements that strengthened protection around charging equipment, improved site organization, and enhanced the overall appearance and functionality of the charging zone.

JBrennon Construction, Inc. completed Phase 1 construction upgrades at an EV charging site in Atlanta, Georgia, delivering a focused scope that improved safety, circulation clarity, and long-term durability—without requiring major disruption to surrounding operations.

Protective Bollards for Charger Impact Safety

A core objective of Phase 1 construction was the installation of protective steel bollards to reduce the risk of vehicle impacts to EV charging equipment. Bollards were installed using a controlled, repeatable process designed to ensure alignment, embedment, and durability.

• Eight (8) saw-cut locations were established to place new bollards in protection zones.

• Each location was hand excavated to approximately 36 inches to avoid unintended damage to nearby surfaces and subsurface conditions.

• Anchor bolts were installed, and concrete was placed to secure the assemblies and provide long-term stability under vehicle exposure.

  
  

This work strengthened the physical protection of the charging equipment and supported safer driver behavior by clearly defining no-go zones around sensitive infrastructure.

Surface Cleaning to Support Long-Term Striping Performance

Before restriping, the work areas were thoroughly pressure washed to remove debris, dust, and residue from saw-cutting and construction activity. This step was critical to ensure striping materials adhered properly and maintained visibility over time, particularly in high-traffic environments where tire wear and surface contaminants can degrade paint prematurely.

Restriping and Pavement Marking Corrections for Traffic Flow

With surfaces cleaned and prepped, Phase 1 construction included a full refresh of parking and charging markings to improve driver clarity and circulation efficiency.

• Bright, high-visibility striping was applied to clearly identify EV charging zones and adjacent parking areas.

• Outdated striping was blacked out to remove conflicting markings and prevent driver confusion.

• Temporary traffic control was implemented using cones to protect wet paint and guide vehicles around work zones.

The updated markings improved usability by making charging stalls easier to locate, simplifying the traffic pattern, and reducing the chance of improper parking or blocked access to chargers.

Landscaping Improvements for Shade and Site Aesthetics

In addition to safety and operational upgrades, Phase 1 construction included targeted landscape improvements intended to elevate the site’s appearance and user experience.

• Two planting zones, each approximately 400 square feet, were prepared by saw-cutting and removal, then backfilled with topsoil suitable for tree installation.

• Willow oak trees were planted and supported with staking for stability and early growth.

These enhancements helped soften the hardscape environment, added shade potential, and improved overall curb appeal—important factors for commercial EV charging areas where users often wait while vehicles charge.

Phase 1 Construction Results

Phase 1 construction improvements delivered measurable value by:

• Increasing charger protection through robust bollard installations

• Improving visibility and usability with clean, corrected striping

• Reducing confusion by removing obsolete pavement markings

• Enhancing appearance and long-term comfort through tree planting and landscape upgrades

• Supporting code compliance and a cleaner, more professional charging environment

This phase demonstrated how targeted EV charging site construction can significantly improve safety, functionality, and user experience without requiring a full rebuild.