DeKalb County waterline project on Panola Road to run through October 2026; Stonecrest requires city encroachment permits

City engineering staff provided a detailed update Nov. 10 on DeKalb County’s Panola Road waterline replacement and associated construction impacts.

Harry, the city engineering representative, said Phase 1 — roughly 11,400 linear feet of 12‑inch ductile iron pipe — began Oct. 13, 2025 and is scheduled to finish Sept. 1, 2026. Phase 2 will start Jan. 5, 2026 and run through Oct. 30, 2026. The project is broken into multiple work sections; crews will compact trench backfill in 12‑inch lifts and place a temporary cap before milling and resurfacing lanes.

"So the first phase is starting or started already on, October 13, 25, and that is going to end next year, 09/01/2026," Harry told council. He said county and contractor traffic control plans are being coordinated with the city; the contractor agreed to keep at least one lane open and to perform nightwork and short 500‑foot operations to minimize long closures.

Stonecrest staff said they will require a city encroachment permit (even where DeKalb County has a permit) so the city can verify compaction and resurfacing standards. Council members asked about detours, manhole adjustments and outreach to businesses; staff said proactive door‑knocking, recorded Zoom briefings and email notice had been provided and that recorded resources are available to affected businesses.

Next steps: city staff will continue to coordinate traffic control and quality standards with DeKalb County and the contractor and will notify residents and businesses about upcoming phases.