Only 14 States + D.C. Added Construction Jobs Since Pandemic Began as Supply Problems, Lack of Infrastructure Bill Undermine Recovery

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Only 14 states and the District of Columbia have added construction jobs since just before the start of the pandemic in February 2020, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that widespread supply chain disruptions amid and the lack of a much-needed federal infrastructure bill have impeded the sector’s recovery. “Construction employment remains below pre-pandemic levels in more than two-thirds of the states,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Supply problems have slowed down many projects and forced contractors to hold down employment, while the lack … Read more

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I-75 Reconstruction Project in Florida County to Improve Traffic Flow, Reduce Delays

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General contractor Skanska is leading the reconstruction of Big Bend Road at Interstate 75 interchange in Hillsborough County. The company is spearheading the $81.7-million Design-Build project on behalf of the Florida Department of Transportation. Construction began in August 2021 and completion is slated by end of summer 2024. Designed by Dewberry, the project scope will encompass the widening and reconstructing of Big Bend Road and reconfiguration of the I-75 ramps, which will improve traffic flow and reduce delays. The overall configuration of Big Bend Road will change from an existing four-lane rural roadway to a six-lane urban highway, consisting of … Read more

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AISC Offers $5,000 for Next Great Steel Floor Beam Connection

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Structural steel is already the gold standard for rapid erection. But what if we could make it even faster? The American Institute of Steel Construction is offering $5,000 for up to three great ideas to revolutionize steel floor beam connections. Your back-of-the-napkin, so-crazy-it-just-might-work concept could become the next revolutionary, non-proprietary connection system. The key words are FAST and EASY – to design, fabricate and erect safely. The ideal solution will be fast and easy to install, will reduce rotation of floor beam connections to improve performance, will use technology that is not typically found in construction (think: 3D printing, adhesives, … Read more

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MAX TwinTiers Help Maple Syrup Producers Improve Efficiency

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Maple syrup producers across North America are switching to the TwinTier to shorten the time it takes to install maple sap tubing collection systems. The MAX TwinTier platform of tools provides a hassle-free, battery-powered solution for tying mainlines to wire. The TwinTier works five times faster for tying mainline tubing to wire, compared to completing this process by hand. This time-saving tool allows its users to quickly move on to the next phase of the installation process by reducing the amount of time it takes to complete the tying process. TwinTier tools form ties in approximately ½ second. Using the … Read more

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Construction Officials Renew Push for Immediate Removal of Tariffs on Key Construction Materials, Urge Congress and Administration to Take Steps to Repair ‘Every Level’ of Supply Chain

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The prices contractors pay for construction materials far outstripped the prices contractors charge in the 12 months ending in September, despite a recent decline in a few materials prices, while delivery problems intensified, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials urged Washington officials to end tariffs on key construction materials and take steps to help unknot snarled supply points. “Construction materials costs remain out of control despite a decline in some inputs last month,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Meanwhile, supply bottlenecks continue to worsen.” The producer price index … Read more

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