Infrastructure

Construction of Maryland's much-delayed Purple Line to resume early next year

The state plans to pick a new contractor and finalize the cost to finish building the rail line by December.

By Julie Strupp • Sept. 16, 2021

School districts hesitate to use ARP funding for construction

The tight spending deadline and issues finding contractors make it difficult for districts to use American Rescue Plan funds to renovate or build new facilities.

By Sebastian Obando • Sept. 14, 2021

California lawmakers withhold $4.2B from high-speed rail project

Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature project, which has seen pushback at the state level, could gain momentum via new federal funding.

By Joe Bousquin • Sept. 14, 2021

LSU, Louisiana Tech launch infrastructure-focused engineering research center

The facility will study materials and how they perform in civil projects.

By Matthew Thibault • Sept. 14, 2021

Hyperloop company Swisspod to build testing facility in Colorado

The subterranean tech is lauded by public transit advocates, but still faces significant hurdles as a viable transportation method.

By Matthew Thibault • Sept. 14, 2021

Texas commission recommends 2 contractors for state border wall project

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's plan is coming closer to reality with the selection of a joint venture made of Huitt-Zollars/Michael Baker International.

By Matthew Thibault • Sept. 13, 2021

Feds to require that large employers mandate coronavirus vaccine

The requirements will impact some 80 million workers in private sector businesses, in addition to many federal employees and contractors, the White House said.

By Ryan Golden • Sept. 09, 2021

$3.5 trillion budget resolution could increase penalties for labor violations

An aspect of the PRO Act decried by construction groups could make it into the reconciliation bill.

By Zachary Phillips • Sept. 08, 2021

Ida's devastation leads to renewed calls for federal infrastructure spending

The storm's historic flooding ravaged a large portion of the eastern U.S. last week, prompting a new sense of urgency among some elected leaders.

By Jennifer Goodman • Sept. 07, 2021

The Boring Co. wants to build an underground transit loop in flood-prone Fort Lauderdale. Can it be done?

Transportation experts say the project is possible, but building a tunnel under South Florida is expensive. "You can engineer yourself out of any problem," said one expert, but it comes at a cost.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 07, 2021

NYC to build $6B in new jails using guaranteed maximum price contracts

Each of the four jails will be designed with a budget of more than $1 billion and will cap at a negotiated point, keeping the projects at or under budget.

By Matthew Thibault • Sept. 07, 2021

Opinion

Why recovery won't come easily for small and medium-sized construction firms

Contractors must invest in digital technologies and clean up their balance sheets in order to benefit from the coming post-pandemic boom, writes a contech executive.

By Zaid Rahman • Sept. 01, 2021

Q&A

Keeping workers safe on civil jobs

Infrastructure work, especially for projects involving moving traffic, is dangerous. It's crucial to recruit workers who are committed to safety.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 31, 2021

DOD official details military construction reforms

Michael McAndrew discussed how the Department of Defense is working to change the way it handles construction projects during a session at the 2021 Federal Design-Build symposium.

By Sebastian Obando • Aug. 31, 2021

Hurricane Ida ravages the Southeast, but New Orleans' levees hold fast

Following a $14.5 billion upgrade after Hurricane Katrina, the levee system in New Orleans weathered Ida's catastrophic wind and rain this week.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 31, 2021

US rail projects take longer, cost more than those in Europe

High labor costs, change orders and other factors add millions of dollars to budgets and slow down timelines on U.S. projects, according to a new report.

By Sebastian Obando • Aug. 26, 2021

I-95 bridge moved in 3 hours using remote-controlled tech

Instead of a month-long demolition, contractor Mammoet used transporters to pick up a bridge over the highway and move it in less than a day.

By Jeffrey Steele • Aug. 24, 2021

Opinion

Infrastructure bill could expand opportunities for women

With minor revisions, the federal infrastructure package could help open the door to more women and other minorities in construction.

By Lauren Sugerman • Aug. 24, 2021

Report: US 36 collapse in Colorado due to waterlogged site, insufficient drainage

A report blamed the collapse of a retaining wall on shifting, waterlogged soil, which led to millions of dollars in damage to a major highway.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 24, 2021

Construction-focused nonprofit responds to Haiti earthquake

Co-founded by a former Shawmut CEO, Build Health International works in 26 countries to build structurally safe hospitals and healthcare facilities.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 23, 2021

Public, private agencies focus on diversifying the infrastructure workforce

As infrastructure investment finally reaches the top of the national policy agenda, industry experts test ways to make America's infrastructure workforce more inclusive.

By Sebastian Obando • Aug. 17, 2021

10 airports gear up for increased travel with expansions, renovations

With more Americans vaccinated every day, travel is on the rise. Here are some of the biggest planned airport construction projects in the United States.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 17, 2021

Skanska JV to print concrete for major UK rail project

The joint venture will use "Printfrastructure" 3D printing technology to cut down on waste while also shaving costs for materials and logistics.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 17, 2021

Hope renewed for Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail

A new Illinois commission could accelerate development of high-speed rail in the state, as U.S. passenger rail is poised to receive a $66 billion injection from the bipartisan infrastructure deal.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 16, 2021

Infrastructure bill contains $100M for construction technology

The Senate's $1.2 trillion package includes $20 million annually over five years to digitize construction processes.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 11, 2021