The new Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island, just steps away from the national landmark for Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc., has opened. The museum recently held its grand opening following a dedication ceremony. Phelps Construction Group was the general contractor on the project. The 26,000-square-foot building provides the estimated 4.3 million annual visitors the opportunity to learn about the Statue of Liberty’s history, influence and legacy through three gallery spaces. The poured-in-place concrete super structure sits above the 500-year flood level. It also includes the Statue of Liberty’s original torch surrounded by frameless glass curtainwalls. The multi-faceted … Read more
Hamilton: The Exhibition on Northerly Island Offers Immersive Experience to Visitors
A new 34,000-square-foot exhibit structure is set to welcome thousands of visitors along Lake Michigan on Chicago, Illinois’ Northerly Island. Standing 47-feet tall, the building houses Hamilton: The Exhibition, a 360 degree immersive experience that chronicles the history of Alexander Hamilton. The exhibit features an audio tour throughout 18 rooms narrated by the musical’s author, Lin-Manuel Miranda, along with other cast members from the original Broadway production of Hamilton. Built by Walsh Construction, the new aluminum structure required mass grading, site excavation, 50 tons of rebar, 1,400 cubic yards of concrete, more than 1,000 prefabricated metal wall panels, inflated and … Read more
Safety Tips to Protect Construction Workers from Extreme Heat
Summer is a great time for construction work, but a brutal time for construction workers. Excessive heat and sun exposure pose significant dangers, such as sunburn, dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Every year, construction workers become ill on the job and some even lose their lives due to heat exposure. To protect its workers from the extreme summer heat, Western Specialty Contractors manages a heat illness training program and a safety hotline for its employees. As part of the program, training is provided to all employees and supervisors who work in high temperatures. Training topics include: how … Read more
AGC Launches Campaign to Alert Summer Motorists to Slow Down + Remain Alert in Construction Work Zones
67% of highway contractors report that motor vehicles had crashed into their construction work zones during the past year, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America. In response, association officials have launched a new radio and media campaign urging drivers to slow down and remain alert in highway work zones. “There are simply too many cars crashing into too many work zones, putting too many lives at risk,” said Brian Turmail, the association’s national spokesman. “That is why we are launching a nationwide outreach effort designed to better … Read more
General Contractor Guides Vision for Customized Female-Fitting Safety Vests
When it comes to personal protective equipment on construction sites, one size doesn’t fit all. Women shouldn’t be asked to compromise their safety by wearing unisex vests, gloves or goggles that are too large. It’s unsafe and unfair. That’s why Skanska has set out on a mission to help provide new, custom-built PPE for this growing part of its workforce. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, the number of women working in construction trades increased by 17.6% between 2017 and 2018. And while PPE designed for a female’s body does exist, it’s not overly popular or widely used. … Read more