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A new coronavirus threat: Sidelined subcontractors

Confusion about mandates, safety and family concerns are pulling already sparse specialized trades from sites. GCs need to maintain strict standards so subs will actually work if they are permitted to do so, an expert says.

Penn Medicine speeds up construction of $1.5B Philly hospital by 15 months during coronavirus crisis

Part of the Pavilion, if wrapped up in mid-April, will be open more than a year ahead of schedule to take patients with COVID-19, a spokesperson said.

Washington state bans construction, Boston extends moratorium

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee's clarification updated Monday's mandate that appeared to exempt construction while Boston Mayor Martin Walsh extended his construction ban despite calls from his governor to lift it.

Border wall construction continues with additional contract for $1.2B project

The White House isn't backing down on U.S.-Mexico barrier construction even as the coronavirus outbreak spreads through the U.S., with a $524 million contract modification for a Kiewit subsidiary awarded this week.

Mailbag: Construction attorneys answer readers' coronavirus legal questions

U.S. contractors are facing uncertainty around issues like health threats to workers, government stoppages and supply chain delays. Here, construction attorneys break down some of the legal ramifications.

Swinerton, Katerra, WSP and others make executive moves for future growth

With the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, leading construction companies need the right people in top positions now more than ever.

'Virtual town hall' on coronavirus offers contractors tips amid uncertainty

A Fieldwire-hosted webinar touched on several coronavirus-related issues, including future cash flow and the best ways to help employees keep a safe distance from each other while on the job.

Healthcare expert: Open-space workplaces are relatively low risk for coronavirus

An American Society of Safety Professionals representative said that spaces where workers are regularly 6 feet apart and wearing gloves don't necessitate the acquisition of extra masks for prevention of COVID-19.

The Dotted Line: The significance of proper project documentation

Out of all the records that contractors are expected to maintain, there are some that stand out as especially important when it comes to money and lawsuits.

Denver airport settles with fired Great Hall P3 partner

Construction continues at Denver International Airport, with new contractor Hensel Phelps taking health and safety precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

'Automation is not innovation' in offsite, World of Modular speakers say

Though automated tasks in the factory can elevate offsite productivity beyond traditional methods, it's more important to innovate the building process to capitalize on modular's potential to disrupt.

Deep Dive

5 things to know about the new coronavirus paid leave law

A number of small businesses are "despondent," a legal expert said. But there's hope the federal government could soften the law's impact.

Construction can continue in New York, California and Illinois amid shutdown orders. In other regions, it's banned

The three state mandates exempt construction but with caution and caveats. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania's and some Massachusetts cities' orders effectively stop construction.

In most US cities, construction work continues as shutdowns loom

Pennsylvania's ban on nonessential travel effectively stops construction, while it's unclear how California's measure will impact new and existing work. As more jurisdictions follow, Trump is being urged to set federal definitions on whether functions such as jobsites can operate.

UPDATED: March 20, 2020 at 10:14 a.m.

Bechtel reports 14.5% dip in total revenue in 2019

The multinational energy contracting giant, considered the largest U.S. construction firm in terms of revenue, also reported decreases in backlog and new projects, while it's also experienced coronavirus-related setbacks in 2020.

Governors, senators urge Trump to help states expand hospitals for anticipated coronavirus patients

Lawmakers such as Andrew Cuomo and Elizabeth Warren say most states do not have the resources to build the necessary healthcare facilities and need federal and private-sector assistance.

How contractors are responding to the COVID-19 crisis

Despite paralyzing levels of uncertainty brought on by the rapidly changing effects of the coronavirus pandemic, contractors like Bechtel, DPR, Layton and Suffolk are trying to prepare for whatever might come next.

Tutor Perini, developer fight over lien, claims of defective work at Florida hotel

The owner of the Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale claims it's due $12 million in damages from the general contractor over defective work, including malfunctioning elevators and water leaks. 

Trump signs emergency coronavirus bill granting paid leave opposed by construction group

The bill contains two key provisions covering workers employed by private entities and individuals that employ fewer than 500 employees.

BigRentz acquires Illinois equipment rental company en route to potential IPO

The largest heavy equipment rental firm in the U.S. merged with Lizzy Lift and has plans to acquire more companies like it.

Former MTA manager pleads guilty to charges in construction bid-rigging case, could face prison time

Authorities said former supervisor Paresh Patel set up his own engineering consulting firm in order to bid on MTA repair work after Hurricane Sandy. He now faces up to 20 years in prison.

Spat between union and Connecticut DOT drags FIGG into another bridge controversy

A bill calls for state DOT engineers rather than consultants like FIGG to inspect infrastructure projects while a union in support of it questions the FIU bridge designer's role in the Arrigoni Bridge project as an example.

Hotel construction pipeline ends 2019 with record high

Though there were a record number of hotels planned and underway as of the close of the year, Lodging Econometrics' results and forecast do not include the potential impact of the coronavirus.

Boston 1st major US city to order halt on all construction

Mayor Martin Walsh's announcement calls into question whether other jurisdictions will follow suit and enact construction site shutdowns. Some city leaders seem to be considering it while others are not.

AGC opposes paid leave provision in House coronavirus bill

If passed in the Senate, the plan could lead to industry layoffs, bankruptcies and delays in the construction of medical and emergency facilities, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.