Highway construction up nationally, says report

Even as lawmakers in Washington debate and consider increased funding for transportation infrastructure projects, construction is increasing on highway projects across the country.

According to a new report released by the Nashville-based Thompson Research Group, lettings for highway construction contracts in some 15 states showed a healthy 13 percent increase during the second quarter of this year over that same time period in 2018.

The report notes a massive 115 percent increase in Colorado this spring, followed by a 69 percent increase in Maryland, and jumps of 43 percent and 36 percent respectively in Iowa and Texas.

Also showing double-digit increase in highway work is Arizona, with lettings up by 21 percent this spring over last spring.

Looking forward, the Thompson Research Group report predicts:  “We believe the momentum is only in the beginning phase.”

Noting highway construction plans well along in the pipeline in a handful of other states, the report sees “a busy construction season in 2019.”

Texas is particularly set to launch a new phase of big highway construction, adds the report, particularly with a $1.7 billion highway expansion project outside of Dallas.

By Garry Boulard

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