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
