PORTLAND, ME — The Maine Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) releases the 2024 Report Card for Maine’s Infrastructure. It includes 16 categories of infrastructure that received an overall C grade. That is a one-step increase from the 2020 Report Card for Maine’s Infrastructure and one step …

There are three basic traffic control personnel that can be used in our work zone/temporary traffic control areas. Unfortunately, only two are legally defined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There is the Police Detail, the Civilian Flagger, and then there is the third, Traffic Control Officer.

The Police Detail is …

PORTLAND, ME — State and federal transportation funding increases have allowed Maine to move forward with projects to improve the condition, reliability, and safety of the state’s transportation system. However, Maine continues to face significant transportation challenges. In order to continue to make needed improvements, the state will require continued, …

New England is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of infrastructure spending, resulting in what has been one of the busiest times for construction in the region in the past 25 years. With this new influx of major infrastructure projects coming into construction firms’ pipelines, the industry’s outlook for the next …

HOLLISTON, MA — Wayne J. Griffin Electric Inc. (Griffin Electric), an electrical subcontractor throughout New England and the Southeast, recently held its annual Back-To-School Backpack Drive. Griffin Electric partnered with the Holliston Pantry Shelf and Medway House Family Shelter to donate backpacks and essential school supplies, as well as gift …

SCARBOROUGH, ME — United Ag & Turf/United Construction & Forestry (UAT/UCF) launched a new community-focused brand campaign, "Together We're United," to highlight the power and potential that exists with the right equipment and team. Employees celebrated the campaign by leading a two-day volunteer event at Mission Working Dogs in Oxford, …

BOSTON, MA — Shawmut Design and Construction, a $1.6 billion national construction management firm, participated in its 17th consecutive Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), raising nearly $65,000 and counting to build on its lifetime fundraising total of over $2 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Team Shawmut — which includes CEO Les …

In spring 2023, Reid Wobby, an employee wellness consultant with VTHC in Vermont, sat down with his father, Richard Wobby, Executive Vice President of Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC/VT), to spell out the mental health crisis in the construction industry.

During one of their conversations, he shared …

As the construction sector experiences an unexpected surge in job creation at the national level, outpacing the general economic expansion, the local picture reveals an industry struggling. Over the past year, employment growth in the construction industry has grown by just 1.3 percent, which is still slightly better than the …

AUGUSTA, ME — Governor Janet Mills recently signed an Executive Order to improve the recruitment, training, and retention of women in Maine’s construction industry.

Women currently make up 15 percent of Maine’s construction industry and only 11 percent of the industry nationally. The Governor, a trailblazer herself as Maine’s first …

RALEIGH, NC — For over 45 years, Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. (Griffin Electric) has built a name for itself as an electrical subcontractor throughout New England and the Southeast. The company’s North Carolina regions have been an important part of the company’s success, delivering more than 400 projects spanning …

WALTHAM, MA — Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEMA) recently revealed its newest STEM curriculum in partnership with Suffolk. Brownies Who Build — an expansion to Juniors Who Build, which launched in 2023 — was created to help Girl Scouts ages seven to nine understand the steps of the …

PORTLAND, ME — Wright-Ryan, a construction firm in northern New England, has launched “Building for Generations,” an anniversary celebration of its 1984 founding by Tom Wright and John Ryan. Through a series of special initiatives planned for the coming months, the anniversary campaign will focus on the future …

HOLLISTON, MA — An electrical subcontractor throughout New England and the Southeast for over 45 years, Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. (Griffin Electric) recognizes women in construction. With the industry recently recognizing Women in Construction Week, and with March marking National Women’s History Month, Griffin would like to highlight the …

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the leading authority on green building and the global developer of the LEED green building program, releases its annual list of Top 10 States for LEED. For the first time ever, New York ranked No. 1, based on LEED-certified gross square …

HOLLISTON, MA — Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. (Griffin Electric) and its employees once again teamed up to participate in several charitable causes in order give back to its local communities during the holiday season. An electrical and telecom subcontractor throughout New England and the Southeast, Griffin Electric's entire workforce …

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announces that Rhode Island has been ranked 11th in the nation for its use of transportation funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an international nonprofit environmental organization.

In making the designation, …

AUBURN, ME — The Cianbro team working at the Procter & Gamble (P&G) facility in Auburn, Maine, recently reached a major milestone. At the end of 2022, Ernie Selberg, Cianbro Senior Project Manager, set forth a challenge to all team members and subcontractors on site to reach and surpass …

STAMFORD, CT — United Rentals, Inc. announces it is the recipient of the following three awards: 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award, 2024 Military Friendly Employer, Gold, and 2023 Military Times Best for Vets.

United Rentals has a long-standing commitment to supporting veterans in their transition into the workforce. A significant …

As the world of snow and ice rapidly moves forward, towns and cities in New England work hard to find the right balance between safety and sustainable winter operations.
The town of Needham, Massachusetts, is no exception.

Assistant Director of Public Works/Operations Shane Mark has been heading up the challenge …

What do you do when you see signs indicating there’s work being done on the road? Do you take heed? Do you slow down? Well, statistically four out of five drivers say that they slow down when they see work zone signs and workers. The fact is, when checked by …

It’s been on the news time and time again — a window washer crew or a crew utilizing some form of suspension scaffold is trapped in mid-air stories above the ground. Their work platform has failed in some way, and the workers are dangling from their safety lifeline. With no …

NEWTON, MA — In September of 2022, Chapman Construction/Design, a construction management company specializing in high-performance building, made a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030. Chapman's goal is to decarbonize without offsets, meaning they will generate enough renewable energy to satisfy 100% of their annual electricity demand with …

SCARBOROUGH, ME — The Northeast John Deere dealerships of United Ag & Turf and United Construction & Forestry recently celebrated a partnership agreement as part of the U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) programs. The ceremony took place at the United Construction & Forestry shared services office in Scarborough, …

The latest treatment to the indus toolkit is Paver-Placed Stabilized Full Depth Reclamation (PPSFDR). This unique and modern version of full depth reclamation allows the company to cater to clients across the full spectrum of the asphalt deterioration curve and provide a full range of support to road managers. Sometimes …

WORCESTER, MA — Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Lauring Construction, a third-generation general contracting and construction management firm, announces it has named three new owners of the company. Actively involved with the day-to-day operations of the company since 2010, the third generation — Dan, Mike, and Chris Lauring — will …

BOSTON, MA — HOK is extending its reach in the Northeast with the addition of a new Boston studio located in the city’s Leather District. Led by long-time Bostonian Tom Grimble, AIA, LEED AP, the office will support clients throughout the region, including AstraZeneca, Sanofi, Longfellow, and more.

“We …

WALTHAM, MA — Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEMA) announces its newest STEM curriculum for Girl Scouts ages 9-11 in partnership with Suffolk, a builder and real estate enterprise. Juniors Who Build was created to allow Girl Scouts to feel engaged and inspired anytime, anywhere. The patch program will …

Rock solid and dependable, Maine Drilling & Blasting (MD&B) has served the construction industry well for more than 57 years, with its core values, a commitment to safety, and quality work. The company, with corporate headquarters in Gardiner, Maine, has expanded its Foundation Services Group, nearly tripling revenues for this …

A vital component of an effective environmental, health, and safety (EHS) program is the team of safety trainers who educate employees at every level in the company, from executives to team members in the field. Learn what you should expect from the best safety trainers. When selecting a safety trainer …

MONTPELIER, VT — The Vermont section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released the 2023 Report Card for Vermont’s Infrastructure, with nine categories of infrastructure receiving an overall grade of C, the same grade issued in the state’s 2019 report card. That means Vermont’s infrastructure is in mediocre …

TORRINGTON, CT — Established in 1923, O&G Industries, Inc. is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. As a show of gratitude to the communities that supported its business for decades, company Officers of O&G have pledged to donate $1 million to support local philanthropic organizations.

O&G has a network of …

WIC Week, or Women in Construction Week, celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. Officially, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) held the first WIC Week in 1998 and it has grown and expanded each year since. Many NAWIC local chapters hold WIC Week …

Snow and ice – that is what winter is all about for most who work in the Department of Public Works in cities and towns across New England.

As time goes by and technology improves, cities and towns have to reinvent themselves to incorporate cutting edge winter operations. The town …

Safety professionals come to their roles with different backgrounds and knowledge levels, so they might not always agree about the best approach for a particular situation. But one thing you will find agreement among all safety professionals is the common belief if they can get workers on the site to …

FORT MILL, SC — Sunbelt Rentals, an equipment rental company, has been recognized with three awards for its efforts to recruit and retain military veterans in North America and globally.

For the first time, Sunbelt Rentals has received the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE …

ROXBURY, MA — Amid labor shortages, materials cost escalation, economic uncertainty, and increased sustainability requirements, now is a critical moment for the construction industry to adopt and implement cutting-edge technology. Recognizing the current need for innovation, Suffolk Technologies, the venture investment affiliate of Suffolk, created its BOOST program, a …

WATERBURY, CT — The Connecticut Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently released the 2022 Report Card for Connecticut's Infrastructure, with five categories of infrastructure receiving an overall grade of a C. That means Connecticut’s infrastructure is in mediocre condition, but an improvement over the C- grade …

Tax increases and IRS funding commitments in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 are intended to affect larger corporations and high-income individuals. However, middle market businesses and their owners who understand how they might be affected can position themselves to take advantage of new credits and incentives, avoid unpleasant income …

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Safe Site Check In, a construction management software company for jobsite productivity, announces an integration with Procore Technologies, Inc., a global provider of construction management software. Safe Site Check In quickly and accurately integrates field data into the Procore Construction Platform to help boost …

BOSTON, MA — Shawmut Design and Construction, a national construction management firm, participated in the 2022 Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), marking the 15th consecutive year the firm has participated in the two-day bike-a-thon in Massachusetts. The team rode from Sturbridge to Provincetown with over 6,000 other riders to increase awareness …

An active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) since 1983, Karen J. Ohland has recently begun her term as the 141st President of the society. She is an ASME Fellow and the Associate Director for Finance and Operations at the Princeton University Art Museum.

Ohland has also …

With women representing only 9.9 percent of building industry workers, Suffolk is addressing this gender gap through a partnership with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEMA). The Rebuild the Ratio initiative seeks to increase the percentage of women employed by Suffolk by 10 percentage points over 10 years by …

At the center of any construction alternative power discussion is diesel. Diesel remains the go-to power on jobsites. According to the Diesel Technology Forum, 98 percent of construction's energy use in the United States comes from diesel.

But with global initiatives underway to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by …

Construction workforce shortages are affecting nearly all construction firms, undermining the industry’s ability to complete projects on time and on schedule and threatening the success of new federal investments in infrastructure and manufacturing, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and …

MILWAUKEE, WI — Drones — the aerial eye of the jobsite — have become a very versatile tool for earthmoving operations. Among the benefits: increasing efficiency, productivity, and accuracy on jobsites. In addition, drones help reduce unplanned costs and rework throughout a project by providing a steady stream of jobsite …

MILWAUKEE, WI — Preventive maintenance “is a very broad term,” said George MacIntyre, Product Manager at CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibitor CASE Construction Equipment. “It can be as formal as the critical practice of performing regular service, as prescribed by the manufacturer of the machine, throughout the machine’s life. Or it …

PROVIDENCE, RI — A staffer at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s Office of Highway Safety introduced VHB Providence to a local nonprofit, Young Voices, which is now one of the company’s sponsored charities this year. VHB’s Providence office recently welcomed 20 high schoolers and four staff for a …

FARMINGTON, CT — For a seventh year, the KBE Foundation has awarded scholarships to 11 graduating students from the Connecticut Technical High School system, with the hopes of encouraging the state’s youth to pursue careers in the construction industry. To date, KBE has awarded $114,000 to 101 graduating technical high …

KOHLER, WI — All Kohler diesel-fueled engines are approved to use HVO in the United States, in line with ASTM D975 standard. This confirmation comes just a few months after European compliance was announced. In February, in fact, Kohler had announced approval to use HVO for all its diesel engines …

MILWAUKEE, WI — How do you create an effective safety culture in the workplace when you have an employee base that is so diverse?

It’s an important question for equipment manufacturers to ask and answer, and the latter can’t really be accomplished without a better understanding of what “culture” refers …

No one in the construction industry needs to be made aware of rising diesel prices over the past year. They have felt the pain. Through the first week in July, the average price of diesel fuel was nearly 70 percent higher than the year prior. There is no single magic …

Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, announces the launch of the new safety awareness module in the cloud-based collaboration platform Leica ConX. The integration of Leica Geosystems’ safety awareness solutions with ConX increases safety on construction sites by collecting and visualising data that enhances awareness, speeds up hazard response, …

The largest federal climate investment in U.S. history was made on August 16, after President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. The act aims to fight climate change and address record inflation.

The IRA includes policies that will invest in U.S. energy production, reduce carbon emissions, …

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently made history when the delegates at the 2022 AIA Annual Meeting elected Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, NCARB, SEED, LEED AP BD+C as 2023 First Vice President/2024 President-elect. As the 100th AIA President, Dowdell will be the first Black woman and first Millennial President. …

When the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was passed back in November 2021, it expanded Buy America, Build America Act (BABAA) coverage to include certain construction materials used on federal-aid highway and transit projects. This was intended to strengthen Made in America requirements by ensuring projects use American-made iron, …

With proposed infrastructure programs being discussed to offset the economic impacts of COVID-19, aggregate materials could see a spike in demand. This progression can lead to increased profits for mineral processing operations. However, maximizing efficiency to capitalize on this opportunity requires the right equipment. It is critical that operations evaluate …

HOLLISTON, MA — Another group of employees at Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. were recently honored at a breakfast graduation celebration for completing their final classes and degree requirements for their Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology (Wentworth). The Class of 2021 is …

READING, MA — Weston & Sampson announces the company is among the recipients of a 2021 National Safety Award from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). The award was presented at AGC MA’s Annual Safety Awards Brunch at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, and reflects an “outstanding commitment …

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The number of traffic fatalities in the U.S. surged by 19 percent from 2019 to 2021. Traffic fatalities began to increase dramatically in 2020 even as vehicle travel rates plummeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Traffic fatalities continued to increase in 2021 as vehicle travel returned to …

WEBSTER, MA — Doosan Infracore North America announces its top-performing dealers of 2021. The top 10 dealers are among more than 170 Doosan construction equipment dealers in North America.

Doosan annually recognizes its heavy equipment dealers that have excelled in providing top-level performance in sales, parts, and service to customers …

Most construction jobs run on tight timelines and margins, and to keep everything running on schedule and within budget, fleet managers use telematics to give visibility into their equipment’s location and operating condition any time of the day or night.

Telematics has been around for quite a while, however, it …

Skilled craft professionals continue to earn high wages, according to NCCER’s 2022 Construction Craft Salary Survey. More than 135 commercial, industrial and residential construction companies across the U.S., representing over 337,000 employees, participated in the survey. The individual craft areas reported provide average annual salaries, not including overtime, per …

The ever-growing labor shortage is a universal issue, affecting nearly every business sector that relies on the availability of a workforce. It’s an issue that was happening before the COVID-19 pandemic and has persisted.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are 11.3 million job openings in the U.S., …

The global upheaval of the last few years has undoubtedly rocked the construction industry – and stories of labor shortages driven by COVID-19 abound. Add to that an aging workforce further stressed by current conditions, combined with a lack of skilled replacements, and the current struggle makes sense.

But beneath …

While America’s transportation infrastructure continues to be one of the country’s greatest historical accomplishments, as well as the lifeblood of the American economy, the system itself continues to have serious challenges during the last two decades.

This is mainly due to the rise in traffic congestion which has ensnarled hundreds …

Most hazards you’ll find on a construction site are big and generally obvious. It might be the inherent danger of certain power tools, the possibility of an electric shock, or the potential for a fall. Because workers recognize these hazards, they can take steps to avoid or minimize them.

But …

Most people in the construction industry will say that on any given work site, there is always an amount of waste that could have been avoided. Whether it be poorly handled materials, re-work, weather damage, or working from out of date documents, there are plenty of ways that humans can …

BOSTON/LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK — Shawmut Design and Construction participated in Women in Construction (WIC) Week with virtual and in-person celebrations in all 11 of its offices nationwide. The firm’s WIC Week activities were developed to align with this year’s theme of envision equity and comprised of employee-led sessions including guest …

KENNESAW, GA — Liquid asphalt must compete with other products that are refined from crude oil, and energy prices are currently soaring due to inflation. Imagine bidding today’s cash price and the cost of the hedge instead of guessing at some future price. The solution is a new app that …

Most companies understand that safety is an important part of today’s workplace, but they may not realize why ongoing safety programs are critical to their organization’s well-being.

Some companies view safety as a “check the box” kind of activity, believing that once they’ve addressed safety topics, they’ve done what they …

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Associated Builders and Contractors and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention announce a collaborative partnership to address mental health and suicide prevention throughout the U.S. construction industry.

The goals of the partnership are to improve the mental health of construction workers through effective suicide prevention education, intervention, …

WATERTOWN, MA — VHB is expanding its smart communities services to leverage the full potential of technology-enabled and data-informed consulting. The company announces that Curt Ostrodka, AICP, LEED AP, will lead the practice as Director of Smart Communities. In this new role, Ostrodka will be instrumental in helping public …

During the week of March 6-12, 2022, the industry recognizes and celebrates Women in Construction Week (WIC Week). The first WIC Week was proclaimed in honor of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in September 1960 by Amarillo, Texas, Mayor A.F. Madison. As an international association, NAWIC leadership …

Many of the most famous structures of ancient times were constructed from a material we often think of us as modern. The workers who built them needed a material that could be shaped into blocks and other forms more easily than carving from stone. Finally, someone concocted a mixture of …

BOSTON, MA — CDM Smith is celebrating a significant company and industry milestone in 2022 — its 75th anniversary. What started as a partnership of three consultants in Cambridge, Massachusetts, more than seven decades ago has grown to who the company is today — a global team of over 5,000 …

Companies develop safety programs for reasons that may seem obvious: they want to prevent injuries of all kinds, so workers don’t suffer the physical effects and both workers and companies don’t endure negative financial or operational impacts. In addition, safety programs can also minimize the potential for damage to facilities …

The future is looking bright for the construction industry, with project pipelines full and the promise of infrastructure spending infusing the industry with confidence and optimism. But as we face another year of supply chain issues and crippling workforce shortages, it’s possible that our industry’s biggest challenge could be too …

Stress has been a part of human lives from the beginning. In the past year, we’ve seen additional attention placed on stress and its effects thanks to the coronavirus pandemic and highly publicized statements from top athletes and celebrities. Because stress can have a profound effect on the well-being of …

BURLINGTON, MA — In celebration of National STEM Day, Boston Plan for Excellence (BPE), which operates two Boston public schools forming a Pre K-12 STEM pathway for Roxbury’s Dudley neighborhood, along with Haley & Aldrich’s team of environmental and geotechnical engineers, Suffolk Construction, and Millennium Partners Boston, …

WASHINGTON, DC — As vehicle travel returns to pre-pandemic levels and federal transportation funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) begins to reach states, it will be critical that states make additional investments to improve the efficiency and condition of the nation’s freight network to minimize supply chain …

HOLLISTON, MA — Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc., an electrical subcontractor throughout New England and the Southeast, recently donated backpacks filled with assorted school supplies in support of local students and families in need. This marked the eighth consecutive year that Griffin Electric and its employees teamed up with …

The Marr Companies has a diverse fleet of powered access equipment that has assisted in the construction and renovation of some of Boston’s most beloved institutions and landmarks. Working in the Greater Boston area, across Massachusetts, and throughout New England, Marr has contributed to the region’s preservation and expansion as …

The New Hampshire Construction Career Days, Inc. (NH CCD) inaugural event occurred in 2009, but the conversation about such a program began in 1997 between then New London Road Agent Richard Lee and Catherine Schoenenberger – who ultimately founded NH CCD. These early conversations were sparked primarily because of the …

Most utility companies have stepped up their safety efforts in recent years, and the decline in safety events and minor injuries provides positive proof that safety programs are an effective way to protect workers.

However, there’s a disturbing trend underlying this success: despite all the progress in worksite safety, the …

A nation’s buildings stand as a visual representation of its history. In New England, that history is written in stone and red-brick facades overlooking century-old neighborhoods. Recent trends are bringing people and businesses back to these urban centers, forcing developers and city managers to find ways to reimagine spaces to …

BIM (building information modeling) is an intelligent 3-D model-based process that gives architecture and construction professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage projects.

Forgoing the traditionally siloed architecture, engineering and construction disciplines using BIM can develop more integrated workflows to improve collaboration through the …

BOSTON, MA — Shawmut Design and Construction, a national construction management firm, participated in the 2021 Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), marking the 14th consecutive year the firm has participated in the bike-a-thon to raise funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Once again, Team Shawmut has broken its fundraising goal, amassing more …

ORANGE, CT — KBE Building Corporation recently earned its seventh Safety Training Partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hartford Area Office and the Connecticut Department of Labor Division of Occupational Safety and Health (CONN‐OSHA) On‐Site Consultation Program.

This newest partnership is underway on the Orange Senior Living …

For over a decade, the team at Rays Electrical Services in Elgin, Illinois has worked diligently to earn the reputation of being a quality residential and commercial electrician for the greater Chicago area. Since Ray Sakolari opened the company in 2008, he’s made a commitment to employees, customers, and family …

Heavy equipment theft of everything from forklifts, skid steers, and trucks to bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, and wheel loaders can be a serious issue for business owners, whether at the rental yard or jobsite. Stealing batteries, catalytic converters, and entire vehicles can be a relatively low-risk, high-reward opportunity for thieves unless …

A few years ago, I worked with a warehouse stocker named John who had injured his back and was looking to get back to full duty. His job was important to him because he had a family to support, which included taking care of an adult son with special needs. …

SCARBOROUGH, ME — Fernandez Holdings, Inc., which owns 57 John Deere Ag and Turf dealerships in the Northeast and South Central U.S., has acquired 14 John Deere Construction and Forestry stores, nine locations from Nortrax, Inc. in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, and five stores in Massachusetts …

Construction professionals have a golden retrofitting opportunity as commercial facilities expand their precautions against viruses: an effective new type of “germicidal” LED fixture that can be quickly and easily installed in existing structures. This specialized, enclosed LED fixture draws in air and irradiates it with ultraviolet light (UV), significantly improving …

Few things bring construction projects to a sudden halt quite like the surprise discovery of a gas pipe, electrical line, sewer tile, or water pipe. While digging a trench, the backhoe crew makes an unfortunate discovery. If they’re lucky, they spot the problem before any damage is done, or are …

In the aggregate industry, efficient screening is critical to achieve not only high production but also accurately sized product for particular applications and projects. However, two of the most common production bottlenecks – screen blinding and plugging – must be minimized to run an effective, profitable operation.

Blinding occurs when …

As California concludes another hot, dry summer, the state faced another historic wildfire season. Not only are residents subject to unhealthy levels of smoke and significant property destruction as a result of the wildfires, but they must also face damage to public infrastructure caused by the fires or other related …

Heavy equipment dealers’ profitability depends on efficiently renting out their assets and keeping it in good working order for the long term, whether that involves tractor trailers, semi-trailers, or moving trailers; buses or RVs; backhoes, bulldozers, cranes, excavators, scrapers, graders, dump trucks, or all-terrain forklifts.

To maximize profitability, dealers need …

There’s no doubt that self-driving cars, or autonomous vehicles (AVs), are much safer than the average person-manned vehicle. In fact, more than 90 percent of serious crashes are due to human error, which means autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce the number of collisions and save lives.

However, …

When David Gordon joined the Independent Equipment Dealers Association (IEDA) as Executive Director in December 2020, he focused on one main goal.

“As we continue to grow our membership, we have to continue providing year-round value,” he said. “Our mission is to help our members be more profitable and successful …

The adoption of technology in the construction industry in 2020 hit a record high, outpacing even the most aggressive forecasts and there are no signs of this momentum slowing. In fact, the annual Global BIM Industry Report has projected the global building information modeling (BIM) market will grow from $4.5 …

Landscapers and dedicated green industry professionals know that the key to success lies in their machines. Whether operating a ride-on trencher or walk-behind machine, it’s the performance parts – the chain, teeth and sprockets (CTS) – that often determine the productivity of an operation. In other words, when faced with …

Finding a level surface with plenty of room to load a trailer on today’s congested jobsite is challenging. Towing and recovery operators have it even worse – struggling to move dead equipment, often singlehandedly, while also contending with traffic, poor visibility and soft shoulders. Operators in the towing and recovery, …

When companies try to predict costs for projects, they tend to concentrate on visible items such as materials. All too often, less tangible items – such as worker safety – become an afterthought and may not be budgeted adequately.

There are two primary ways in which safety affects the bottom …

Electrical safety awareness isn’t just for electricians. Believe it or not, non-electrical workers actually run the largest exposure to electrical hazards. Without the electrical training that licensed electrical professionals receive, one careless mistake can turn into a big accident – or worse.

By paying attention to the small details, you …

The pandemic has driven general contractors (GCs) to diligently record who is at their job sites and headquarters. This primarily includes workers, subcontractors, developers, realtors, and property managers. With so many different people coming onto a job site and staying anywhere from 30 minutes to several weeks or months, it …

Vacuum excavators are one of the fastest growing machine segments in the underground construction industry. Originally popularized by their role in daylighting existing utilities on directional drilling jobs, these machines are now being used for irrigation installation, landscaping, and even nursery tasks.

One reason for this growth is that vacuum …

For contractors responsible for sewer, storm and sanitary line cleaning, hose nozzles are an essential tool that directs pressurized water to clear out obstructions such as silt, sludge, grease, mineral buildup, and tree roots as part of required maintenance or to prepare pipes for re-lining. In this way, the nozzle …

In the construction industry, the quality of cast-in-place concrete foundations, superstructure, slabs, stairs, and architectural features, along with the speed of project completion, can largely depend on getting moisture measurement right – and the same is true with the masonry mortar used to build brick, block, or stone walls.

Water …

It’s become a fact of life: When you need to work for extended periods of time in high, hard-to-reach places, you turn to mobile elevated work platforms, or MEWPs (also known as aerial work platforms). Over the years, two of the most popular MEWPs – scissor lifts and boom lifts …

Hitachi continues to provide customers with efficient, reliable and durable equipment featuring advanced technology – the newest being factory-integrated Solution Linkage 2D and 3D Grade Control.

“We gave a sneak peek of Hitachi’s grade control technology at CONEXPO-CON/AGG last year,” said Justin Steger, Solutions Marketing Manager, Site Development and …

HARTFORD, CT — Governor Ned Lamont is praising the multi-state, multi-agency rail infrastructure plan CONNECT NEC 2035 (C35) that was released by the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Commission. The governor said that C35 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to replace aging bridges and tunnels, add rail capacity, improve performance, and enhance …

BOSTON, MA — The Boston office of SmithGroup, an integrated design firm, has relocated to the LEED Platinum 101 Seaport Building in the city's burgeoning Seaport District. The new 11,500-square-foot office space overlooks the redeveloping neighborhood framed by views of the Boston Harbor.

While the pandemic forced many organizations …

Water is an essential component of any construction or roadbuilding project. From dust control to site prep and compaction, thousands of gallons of water are required every day. How it is hauled and applied can significantly impact overall productivity and safety. Though water tanks appear basic, certain factors can have …

When it comes to loading containers or truck bodies onto a truck chassis, regions around the world have traditionally opted for different equipment. The North American waste and recycling market usually favors the cable hoist, while the hooklift has been more prominent internationally.

One trend that all customers are impacted …

The work truck industry includes some of the largest motor vehicle businesses in the world supplying truck chassis (incomplete vehicles) that will be completed by upfitters, using specialized bodies and equipment. These companies are all part of the complex process of producing work trucks, which starts with vocational fleets ordering …

For fleet owners looking to standardize their operation, selecting a trailer manufacturer might feel more like picking a favorite sports team than a strategic move to maximize hauling equipment investments. To some extent, it is. Teams with dedicated fans play smart and deliver results year after year. Similarly, original equipment …

As debates about global warming get more intense and energy prices climb, there is growing interest in the advantages of geothermal energy. Such energy involves using heat generated by the Earth itself to condition spaces and generate electricity. While geothermal energy has not caught on in a big way in …

SPRINGFIELD, MA — F.W. Webb Company is McElroy's newest distributor to serve pipe fusion machine customers along the East Coast. The company has several locations and its Springfield, Massachusetts, location will serve as the main hub for McElroy machine sales.

“This is a very exciting time for McElroy. Not …

BOSTON, MA — Shawmut Design and Construction, a national construction management firm, recently hosted its 12th annual Safety Week with a hybrid of in-person and virtual trainings that focused on ensuring the safety of everyone in the Shawmut network, extending beyond the jobsite to reach families and the local …

Heavy equipment dealers, rental companies, and service centers with underground waste disposal systems – floor drains or sinks in service bays that connect to a septic system or dry well (i.e.- catch basins) – are regulated by the EPA.

During normal vehicle repair and maintenance, fluids such as engine oil, …

It is obvious that knowing the condition of underground sewer and water infrastructure is necessary to properly maintain essential services, and today’s CCTV (closed circuit television) inspection systems visually identify structural and maintenance issues like cracks, broken or collapsed pipe, infiltration, grease, and roots, as well as other issues.

Mainline …

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the U.S. Interstate Highway System reaches 65 years old, it is congested, carries significant levels of travel — particularly by large trucks — and lacks adequate funding to make needed repairs and improvements. America’s most critical transportation link will need to be rebuilt and expanded to …

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the City of Maryville, a suburb of Knoxville, Tennessee, is going through a growth spurt. With a population of nearly 30,000 people and climbing, the town has experienced a big spike in utility development within the last two to three years. …

Demolition, like every industry, is constantly evolving. To keep ahead of the curve, contractors seek out the machines and methods that increase productivity while decreasing the physical toll on workers.

Concrete sawing is viable option for fast, effective removal. However, savvy contractors are finding that adding remote-control demolition robots to …

Let’s face it, road widening, aggregate placement, backfilling, and other road construction tasks have always been messy, backbreaking operations. Busy road construction seasons, limited budgets, and a number of other elements have constrained equipment innovation for decades. This has left road crews in the dust, relying heavily on traditional methods …

A construction site can be a bad back waiting to happen.

Whether it’s a brick mason, concrete finisher, roofer, or any other necessary occupation for a job site, workers are at risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) because of the nature of the job – the awkward postures, repetitive lifting, …

There’s been considerable excitement and energy around machine control and autonomous operations in the construction space in recent years. And rightfully so – big machines that can grade a site to centimeter tolerances on the first go without operator assistance is worthy of celebration.

But what about the tools and …

SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT — The employee-owners of PC Construction have prioritized hunger relief in their corporate giving, announcing that the company will give a total of $60,000 to hunger-fighting organizations in 2021.

The company also gave to hunger relief in 2020, as the number of Vermont families struggling with food …

HOLLISTON, MA — An electrical subcontractor throughout New England and the Southeast, Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. encourages each employee to be in the driver’s seat of his or her career. For over four decades and throughout all levels of the company, women have played an important role at Griffin …

Skid steer and compact track loaders are pivotal machines on any jobsite, offering compact convenience and robust power to operators of all skill levels. With the ability to tackle a variety of jobs and applications, adding the versatility of an attachment can make all the difference in the capabilities of …

Hitachi Construction Machinery recently announced two new programs aimed to help customers increase productivity and cost-savings. Dedicated to providing customers with efficient, reliable, and durable machines, Hitachi Construction continues to provide the latest technology and product offerings to help customers get the most out of their Hitachi machines.

As we transition into the warmer months, demand for a variety of landscape, hardscape, tree care, utility installation, and overall construction-grade tasks begin to rise. While stand-on skid steers have been used primarily as loaders in the past, they are becoming more popular in a wider array of jobs in …

Spring is just around the corner and that means land clearing contractors will be out in full force. While many jobs can be fulfilled using a standard compact track loader (CTL) with a simple bucket, overgrown areas with thick brush and trees require heavier-duty forestry attachments. And powering these attachments …

For many highway and heavy contractors, it’s not only the machines used on-site that drive project productivity – it’s also the attachments.

From buckets, hammers, and cutters to rippers, brooms, and grabbers, these heavy equipment accessories are designed to enhance the use of big (and little) iron while driving productivity …

Sixty-five years ago, when Roger Schmidt founded Schmidt Equipment, Inc. he coined the phrase, “Work hard. Take good care of our customers. Success will follow.”

Success did follow and today this family-owned business, who has always lived by Roger’s philosophy, has grown to more than 140 employees housed in five …

While this past year has been challenging for many, business at New Hampshire Hydraulics, Inc. has never been better.

“When COVID-19 first hit, we saw a little bit of hesitancy and then business boomed,” said Kevin Peverly, Sales Manager, who has been with the company for 32 years. “We …

Telehandlers are a popular choice for a wide range of material handling applications on job sites due to the variety of attachments they can be equipped with. The versatility of these machines allows operators the ability to perform a variety of job site tasks. Unlike forklifts, which rely on a …

Change has always been a constant in the construction and demolition industry. Contractors, workers and project managers pushing for safer, more productive solutions have transformed the modern jobsite from a buzzing hive that relied predominantly on manual labor to a streamlined operation dominated by hard-hitting machines.

In today’s competitive market, …

Demolition and recycling equipment is evolving and is going to change quickly in the next five to 10 years. Manufacturers are leading this effort with input from their customers.

Advances are happening in wireless technology, microchips, machine learning, artificial intelligence, automation, cameras, sensors, touch screens, and batteries. These technologies are …

The Town of Arlington, Massachusetts – a community of 42,000 residents located a few miles from Boston – has significantly improved the health of its road network in just six years using pavement preservation techniques, according to Wayne Chouinard, P.E., the Town Engineer.

“By adding pavement preservation techniques such …

Like the air we breathe, sound is an important, yet often overlooked, part of our daily lives. And, just as air quality and its effects on health have become an important part of the safety conversation, the negative effects of sound exposure on employees and the public are a growing …

Communications towers have long been a part of the landscape, but if you think you’re seeing many more of them, you’re not mistaken. The rapidly increasing demand for wireless communication and private communication networks has triggered a significant increase in the construction of towers.

The growing presence of towers means …

The demolition process involves an unimaginable breadth of products and services to meet the needs of clients and communities. From structural demolition and dismantlement to industrial recovery and C&D recycling, from specialized rigging and landfilling to insurance services and equipment manufacturing, from general contracting and architectural salvage to facilities decontamination, …

BRISTOL, RI — With the goal of expanding and diversifying the talent pipeline within the construction and engineering industries, Roger Williams University (RWU) and Shawmut Design and Construction are launching a partnership to develop talented underrepresented students majoring in engineering and construction management.

The university and construction management firm announce …

Even though preventive maintenance can be the single most crucial factor in keeping an equipment fleet operating in peak condition, while lowering a machine’s total cost of ownership, it is easy to have an “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Especially in lean years, maximizing each piece of …

HOLLISTON, MA — Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. (Griffin Electric) recently held a breakfast graduation celebration for 12 of its employees, who finished their final classes and completed the requirements for their Associate of Applied Science in engineering technology degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology (Wentworth). An electrical subcontractor throughout …

Today, the owners of a growing number of non-standard building designs like museums, arenas, stadiums and structures with atria or large open spaces are turning to performance-based design for substantial cost savings and enhanced safety while maintaining architectural concerns.

As an International Code Council (ICC) accepted alternative, performance-based design allows …

Compact track loaders are an increasingly vital part of contractors’ businesses. The sheer versatility of these machines allows them to thrive in a variety of working conditions, and – thanks in part to growing attachment diversity – CTLs can be used for more applications than ever. A strategic purchase of …

Compact track loaders are an increasingly vital part of contractors’ businesses. The sheer versatility of these machines allows them to thrive in a variety of working conditions, and – thanks in part to growing attachment diversity – CTLs can be used for more applications than ever. A strategic purchase of …

Renting heavy machinery has become increasingly popular in the construction and mining industries with many companies now opting to rent instead of purchase equipment. In fact, market analysts predict that the heavy equipment rental industry is set to grow by 11 percent over the next three years as construction companies …

Renting heavy machinery has become increasingly popular in the construction and mining industries with many companies now opting to rent instead of purchase equipment. In fact, market analysts predict that the heavy equipment rental industry is set to grow by 11 percent over the next three years as construction companies …

For decades, road and bridge repair contractors have relied on the power and precision of hydrodemolition robots to increase efficiency for concrete removal and surface preparation applications. Traditional methods of bridge deck repair took hours of manual labor using handheld water jetting equipment or handheld pneumatic tools. By switching to …

Despite COVID-19’s tumultuous toll on urban living, there will come a day when normalcy returns to large metropolitan areas. Human beings are resilient; they will continue to work, learn, live, and play following economic downturns and unprecedented times that temporarily rid cities of normal activity. Downtowns have a future, and …

Whether it’s on the front lines of a battlefield, a supply chain or a construction site, culture is a fundamental aspect of human existence. Culture keeps us bonded to groups of people – whether it’s within the context of our families, our communities or even our workplaces – and allows …

BOSTON, MA — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is recognizing the MASS Design Group with its 2021 Collaborative Achievement Award. The Collaborative Achievement Award recognizes and encourages collaboration among design professionals, clients, organizations, knowledge communities, and others that have had a beneficial influence on or advanced the architectural profession. …

PLAINVILLE, CT — Network Interiors, a metal framing and drywall contractor founded in 1991 by Melissa Sheffy, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The company’s outlook is reflected in a new brand identity that signifies its expansion into off-site prefabrication.

Sheffy established Network Interiors as a certified woman-owned …

While there’s a big difference between investigating a workplace incident and finding someone to blame for it, companies frequently confuse the two concepts. When something goes wrong, they work hard to identify those at fault, and that’s where the investigation ends.

Most workplace incidents are not that clear-cut. An individual …

During these pandemic months, many road crews have been less encumbered by the total number of drivers on the road. But now, the drivers are back. It’s time for a reminder of the perils that exist in the work zone/temporary traffic control (TTC) areas. Road crews do not have the …

There’s an old adage that says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It’s applicable to many situations, but especially so when it comes to workplace safety. Safety professionals have long recognized the value of prevention, and the well-known Heinrich model clearly illustrates that value. For every …

BOSTON, MA — The Consigli Foundation presents a donation of $25,000 to The Greater Boston Food Bank. In addition, non-perishable goods were collected across Consigli Construction Co., Inc.’s jobsites in Massachusetts. The donations were recently presented to the food bank. The movement was motivated by Consigli’s drive to support …

There was an estimated 600 million tons of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generated in the United States in 2018 alone, which is more than double the amount of Municipal Solid Waste (i.e. normal garbage). Concrete accounted for the largest portion of this C&D waste (67.5 percent), followed by asphalt …

WALLINGFORD, CT — Bladt Industries A/S, a company that delivers foundations and substations for offshore wind, and Burns & McDonnell, a 100 percent employee-owned engineering, construction, fabrication, and architecture company based in the U.S., announce a strategic alliance to bring together resources and experience and create local jobs …

What’s better for clearing snow, a skid steer or a compact track loader? The common perception is that a wheeled machine would fare better, and it’s often true with many track loaders. It’s why many compact track loaders are parked for the winter while their wheeled counterparts keep working. However, …

Traditionally, vacuum excavators have been used by contractors for daylighting buried utilities, minimizing disruption to the impacted area, and leaving behind a negligible mess. Today, the benefits of soft digging – the process of using a combination of suction and high-pressure water and air to remove dirt and other materials …

When it comes to bridge design and construction, concrete is the material of choice. It’s easy to make, affordable, and can withstand a tremendous amount of compressive stress. However, concrete is not naturally flexible. It’s weak in tension, which can cause deflection on bridges and lead to cracks, which opens …

It has been almost a year since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, and unfortunately, we don’t have an answer as to when life will go back to normal, or even what the “new normal” will look like. Disruptions in the hard-hit construction industry – such as supply chain shortages and …

BEDFORD, NH — GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. (GZA), a multi-disciplinary firm providing geotechnical, environmental, ecological, water, and construction management services, has been retained by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) to provide geotechnical evaluation professional consulting services for transportation projects statewide through 2023, with the potential for up to two one-year …

BOSTON, MA — Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC), a national nonprofit organization working to advance the expansion of environmental sustainability through local development projects, while also ensuring equity and inclusion, recently launched its nine-week contractor academy in Boston. The Emerald Cities - Boston Contractor Academy bridges the goal of promoting sustainability …

Safety sounds like a simple concept, but when it comes to workplace safety, that isn’t always the case. As our professionals interact with companies and workers in many industries, they frequently hear things that may sound plausible, but that really aren’t true. We’ve collected several of the most common here. …

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation recently launched a new demonstration program to establish several Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (Accelerators), which will expedite delivery of transportation infrastructure projects through finance and delivery methods. The department’s Build America Bureau (the Bureau) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity to solicit applications …

Despite chronic difficulties sustained by contractors and others with securing human capital in January 2020, the nation added 214,000 net new jobs. It followed that up with an even more blistering 251,000 jobs in February.

For 113 consecutive months, the nation had added jobs – an unprecedented winning streak in …

HOLLISTON, MA — Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. (Griffin Electric), an electrical subcontractor throughout New England and the Southeast, recently participated in the sixth annual U.S. Department of Labor’s National Apprenticeship Week. The federal initiative provides Griffin Electric an opportunity to showcase its in-house Apprenticeship Training Program and celebrate the …

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. announces a new partnership with Adaptive Construction Solutions, Inc. (ACS) to recruit and train veterans for careers in the construction trades, addressing a national workforce shortage. Together, the two organizations will identify and enroll veterans with military occupational specialties in an apprenticeship program that can lead …

The longest U.S. economic expansion since the end of the Second World War came to an abrupt end earlier this year as the COVID-19 pandemic essentially shut down the economy. Following an unprecedented plunge in Q2-2020 – real GDP nosedived at an annualized rate of 31.4 percent – economic activity …

The 2020 elections appear to have delivered simultaneous rebukes to both President Trump and the liberal agenda. While he performed better than most polls predicted, as of writing, the President’s ongoing efforts to contest the election appear to have little chance of success. Yet enough down ballot elections broke Republicans’ …

DENVER, CO — Process innovation specialist to the AEC industry, MG AEC Technology Partners (MG), invites the industry to The Power of Where, an online symposium illuminating the intersection of BIM and GIS technologies. Sponsored by Autodesk and GIS industry leader, Esri, the January 26, 2021 virtual conference will …

PORTLAND, ME — HNTB Corporation announces it is celebrating 75 years of partnership with the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA). The partnership dates back to 1945, two years before the Maine Turnpike was built, when HNTB signed on as the general engineer consultant for the project.

In 1947, when the MTA …

Transportation construction activity is forecast to decline 5.5 percent in 2021, as transportation authorities, state, city, county, and local governments face unprecedented revenue shortfalls, budget pressures and lower demand for travel and freight services, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) model shows. The 2021 market will reflect the …

Workers in all sorts of industries use, or may become exposed to, various types of hazardous chemicals and other substances on a regular basis. Sometimes those hazards are part of a production process, while in other instances it may be something used to clean a worksite.

That’s why OSHA requires …

After a difficult 2020, many of us are looking for things to turn around with the new year. Significant progress on a vaccine and the possibility of new funding for infrastructure projects has many in the construction industry optimistic that 2021 will put the U.S. economy back on track. We’ve …

For aggregate producers, efficient and accurate sizing of material during processing is essential to profitability. One renowned screening expert has termed plant screening stations as the "cash box" of the operation. Square opening, woven wire screen is still the media of choice in most aggregate operations. However, carryover of prime …

Like many cities with a long history, the skyline of San Diego, California, has changed significantly over the centuries. Even in the modern era, demolition and construction continue to transform California’s second-largest city. However, with growing populations and congested urban environments, demolition contractors are forced to find safer ways to …

For construction firms with significant fleet vehicle and equipment assets needing to be protected from theft or vandalism, fully integrating the latest capabilities of physical security and access control systems can drive down costs significantly.

This “virtual” approach combines video surveillance, access control, and information technology (IT) integration to replace …

If there is any one thing to be said about 2020, it’s that uncertainty ruled the day in many ways and in many aspects of life. The construction industry was no exception, as contractors in all segments juggled the unknowns of an election year, a global pandemic, and everything else …

JASPER, TN — After 29 years in the steel form and manufacturing industry, Richard (Rick) Lail of Lookout Mountain has created a new firm — Lail Bridge Forms. The move is intended to serve existing customers more efficiently, with elevated technology, and to garner new business with a now …

No one can argue that 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic have created major stressors in our personal and professional lives and have caused many of us to experience greater levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and fear. Even before COVID-19, one in five Americans suffered from a mental health condition and …

It happens on nearly every jobsite and nearly every day. A worker performs a task without using the proper safety procedures and a safety professional walks up to correct him. The mood becomes tense, the worker’s resentment is obvious, and the safety pro becomes defensive in return.

The safety professional …

Construction managers, general contractors, and building owners are certainly familiar with safety netting systems and the reasons to install them, which include protecting workers and debris from falling from structures, as well as façade and ceiling containment. They also believe these passive systems create and maintain a safe work environment. …

The construction worker offers much for which to be celebrated. They transform blank canvasses of earth to create spaces for work, education, or play and build structures to cross bodies of water that connect communities. Bottom line, the construction worker helps to build a country’s future.

Driving this ability is …

When it comes to horizontal directional drilling (HDD), simple training is not enough – it needs to be the right training. Because HDD is an art and a science, the right training, education, and experience is a critical combination in knowing the right balance between the two.

As HDD expands …

Tires are witness to everything that goes on in a truck and are filled with information that can tell you a great deal about your fleet.
There are many reasons tires are removed from service outside of normal wear – ranging from driver- related behavior, to running the wrong type …

More and more, concrete repair contractors are turning to robotic hydrodemolition, and the reasons why are simple. The method provides faster, safer, and more efficient removal than traditional means. Recent technological advances have also made hydrodemolition machines more versatile, compact, and durable than ever before. But, one important question still …

The construction industry has proven to be one of the most difficult industries to revolutionize. Many aspects of constructing a building have not changed for centuries. It is becoming increasingly difficult to build in downtown urban settings where sites are tight, streets are crowded, and skilled labor is difficult to …

Humanitarian, hero, and three-time heavyweight champion of the world, Mohammed Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Revered for his accomplishments in the ring and beloved the world over for his sharp wit and big heart outside of it, Ali’s …

AUSTIN, TX — Leaders from the Construction Industry Institute (CII), the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT), and the Engineering and Construction Contracting Association (ECC) are exploring the establishment of a unified, industry alliance to capture benefits of increased content collaboration, better sharing of research, and benchmarking learnings to improve application, diversifying …

BOSTON, MA — Commodore Builders, a veteran-owned construction management firm, and the Herren Project, a national nonprofit organization providing free resources for the treatment, recovery, and prevention of substance use disorder, announce a major expansion of their substance-use disorder recovery program aimed at helping employees find treatment and resources …

BOSTON, MA — Shawmut Design and Construction, a national construction management firm, partook in the 2020 Pan-Mass Challenge, marking the 13th year in a row the firm has participated in the bike-a-thon. Adapting this year’s ride to prioritize the health and safety of riders and volunteers, the Pan-Mass Challenge …

Near the Kansas City International Airport lies a well-traveled stretch of road that connects NE Cookingham Drive to I-435. A 20-mile jaunt separates the airport from downtown Kansas City, and while some drivers might make their way via the direct I-29 route, others choose the I-435 route that might take …

The AEC industry has been experimenting with the use of virtual reality (VR) for well over 20 years, and the medium has successfully provided value and Return on Investment (ROI). However, for many projects, the form factor, technical requirements and user friction for delivering walkthroughs has prevented the medium from …

When we think winter maintenance, we start thinking about cooling systems and antifreeze, fuel systems and fuel storage, engine oil, Hydraulic oil and systems, batteries and all the fluids, components and systems that suffer the ravages of cold and freezing temperatures. If its equipment, it needs winter maintenance. If operates …

One of the most time-consuming tasks while auger boring is pulling augers to check line and grade and adjust steering constantly,” said Walter Keyes, a 25-years auger boring veteran and Team Leader/Superintendent with S.J. Louis Companies. “Typically, on large-diameter sewer jobs, crews will pull augers every 20 feet, …

As we look ahead and try to make predictions about the future of construction, some aspects are murky. No one would have predicted the situation we found ourselves in during 2020, with a global pandemic bringing the economy to its knees, delaying construction projects nationwide, and changing the way we …

Mining and quarrying are deep-rooted businesses. The oldest known mine is located in Southern Africa and was active, quite appropriately, during the Stone Age – an astounding 43,000 years ago. Possibly even more incredible are the ancient mines that are still producing.

Fast forward to today, where we find an …

It’s a small number that carries a huge impact for a contractor’s business. It affects their ability to stay competitive and maintain profitability, and it gives owners and construction managers powerful insights into the contractor’s business philosophy. It says so much that owners and CMs use it to decide whether …

At 64 years old, an age at which many Americans are approaching Medicare eligibility and reduced workloads, the Interstate Highway System is deteriorating, its traffic load of cars and trucks continues to increase, and the system lacks an adequate long-term care plan.

The Interstate Highway System remains the workhorse of …

BOSTON, MA — For the 13th year in a row, Shawmut will participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge, a bike-a-thon that supports Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Adapting the 2020 ride to prioritize the health and safety of riders and volunteers amid the health crisis caused by coronavirus, PMC will be transformed into …

BOSTON, MA — The coronavirus pandemic interrupted our daily lives globally, causing campuses to shut down, devastating businesses and the economy, resulting in closures, and the shift to a remote workforce. Many companies did not have the bandwidth to bring on interns for the summer, let alone stay afloat due …

DURHAM, NH — The ACE Mentor Program of New Hampshire (ACE NH) is an after-school program designed to engage, excite, and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. The Denron Plumbing and HVAC Trade Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior who exhibits exceptional engagement …

Traditionally, moisture tests require laborious effort and are slow to return results from the laboratory.  The risk of damage increases during transit of the materials potentially altering or destroying the entire sample, making this option much less practical for construction sites.  Industry innovators have developed a simplified approach with testing …

When Robert “Bob” Lanham, Jr., P.E., started his tenure as 2020 President of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), he set three main goals: expand member engagement, increase federal investment in construction, and reduce and reform federal regulations on construction and development.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. …

Heavy-haul trailers trek thousands of miles during their service lives and encounter many challenges – from rocks and ruts to bumps and jolts, no trailer gets out unscathed. To get the most from trailers, here are some tips to prevent costly damage and keep your trailers in top shape.

BRISTOL, RI — At Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, Shawmut has built a partnership with the School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management — in addition to completing various projects across campus and hiring graduates through the Construction Management Skills Training (CMST) program. While it is not uncommon …

SCHAUMBURG, IL — As the AED Foundation (AEDF) continues to address the industry's skills gap through its Vision 2024 plan, the soon-to-launch Construction Career Aptitude Test aims to help address the workforce shortage starting at the high school level. More specifically, the Construction Career Aptitude Test is designed for students …

The Construction Industry Institute (CII) and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) recently held a webinar called “Roundtable on Perspectives and Best Practices in Owner-Contractor Collaboration During COVID-19” to provide updates on a variety of industry topics concerning the virus. The panel for the webinar featured two CII owners, …

Given the excitement with SpaceX and NASA’s recent historic manned launch, many people are looking to the stars. To many, space means rockets and satellites. However, every major component of these missions are built, designed, tested, launched, and controlled in one or more ground-based facilities. And every one of those …

The history of the construction excavator goes back quite some time. The very first excavator is said to have been built in 1882 by Sir W. G. Armstrong & Company in England, where it was used in the construction of Port of Hull docks. Unlike today's excavators that use hydraulic …

Infrastructure repair is a hot topic today, and rightfully so. From potholes to deteriorating bridges, keeping up with repairs – and finding the money to do so – is a constant struggle. In an effort to complete jobs faster and win more bids, contractors are always looking for ways to …

All project businesses essentially operate the same way. Whether you are in the construction, engineering or architecture industry, the overarching commonality is that your company delivers goods and services to your customers through projects, making your company a project business.

Only by recognizing your company as a project business are …

Accelerator for America recently hosted a webinar with some of the country’s most determined mayors to discuss the organization’s New Partnership on Infrastructure (NPI) initiative.

Founded by CEO Rick Jacobs, Accelerator for America is an organization led by an advisory council of mayors and other local leaders from across …

As restrictions are being lifted across most states in the country and with warm weather upon us, it is important for truck drivers to consider proper management of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) used in most diesel-powered trucks.

DEF is made from a mixture of technically pure urea and purified water …

It’s a common situation: Your equipment isn’t working as effectively as it was the day it came off the manufacturing line. With most tools and machines, regular maintenance and replacement of worn-out parts can be the key to restoring it back to maximum power. Earth drills are no exception. Knowing …

Once again, the U.S. economy has hit a crossroads. Even before the current COVID-19 outbreak, the predictions for the coming year were mixed at best.

On the one side, the Association of Equipment Managers (AEM) said that “Steady and solid growth is likely to continue for the construction sector. As …

HAILEY, ID — The POWER Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Hailey, Idaho-based engineering and consulting services firm POWER Engineers, recently pledged to send $150,000 directly to schools to help alleviate challenges with distance learning and connectivity.

“The added pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic have really illuminated the challenges …

Creative thinking and the willingness to take a new approach is often what sets innovators apart from their peers. These qualities are also the fuel that propels industry forward. Construction is one of the oldest industries, but thanks to continuous advancements in technology, techniques and materials, today’s structures have come …

The economy in Garden City, Kansas, is strong with the recent opening of a Dairy Farmers of America plant. Approximately 4 million pounds of milk from regional farmers make its way to the dairy plant each day, which has led to expansion for many other companies throughout the area. To …

The hardest part of a project for most contractors is the bid. Balancing customer specs with overhead costs to produce a number both sides are comfortable with takes skill and a deep understanding of an operation’s capabilities. Partnering with industry-leading OEMs to provide efficiency-optimizing equipment can give contractors an edge …

Let’s face facts, the construction industry does not do well when it comes to completing projects on time and within budget. Approximately 98 percent of megaprojects suffer cost overruns of more than 30 percent and 77 percent are at least 40 percent late, according to a McKinsey & Company report. …

After more than 40 years, the hydraulics business is booming and none could be the wiser than Owner Anthony Halvatzes.

New Hampshire Hydraulics, Inc. first opened its doors in 1978 in a small garage that housed just two employees. Today, this fast-paced and ever-expanding business has grown to 45 …

One of New England’s oldest building construction companies recently completed a brand new headquarters in Billerica, Massachusetts, for one of the region’s largest earthmoving companies. Beverly, Massachusetts-based Connolly Brothers, a family-owned general contractor established in 1880, designed and built the 60,000-square-foot state-of-the art facility for W. L. French, …

There is no doubt that technology has increased project management efficiency and safety in the construction industry. Case in point: construction worker illnesses and injuries went from 10.9 incidents (in 1972) to 2.8 incidents (in 2017) per 100 people, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But, there are …

Construction was recently listed in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in America by CNBC. So when it comes to day-to-day operations, what can construction managers do to ensure workers receive the information they need to produce quality work and stay safe on the job? One company, MindForge, is …

MIAMI, FL — The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) announces a donation of $3 million from North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), to support specific and urgent research on the use of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells to treat COVID-19-related inflammation. The gift will accelerate needed clinical trials.

On April …

HOUSTON, TX — As organizations and community members face significant challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, Burns & McDonnell is providing additional resources and services to communities, clients, and employee-owners throughout the U.S.

To bolster the support of those on the front lines providing critical resources to those who need it …

PORTSMOUTH, NH — B2W Software, a provider of heavy construction management software, presented its 2020 Client Innovation Awards to four contractors during the company’s 19th annual User Conference in Las Vegas.

Lancaster Development, Lakeside Industries, EPCOR, and Severino Trucking were recognized for achieving high ROI and …

BOSTON, MA — Shawmut Design and Construction, a national construction management firm, recently celebrated Women in Construction Week nationwide and through various industry events hosted by its Boston office. To kick off the week, the firm held a Women Who Build networking event, welcoming more than 100 guests including …

BOSTON, MA — The Baker-Polito Administration recently filed legislation, An Act to Expand Opportunities for Minority and Women Business Enterprises in Public Construction Projects, and announced a series of administrative changes to promote greater participation of minority- and women-owned businesses in public construction, including small businesses. These changes will …

GLASTONBURY, CT — The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM), a national architectural firm, announces the strategic acquisition of five CBRE | Heery architectural design practices focused on healthcare, sports facilities, and justice, which will be known as Heery Design, a SLAM Studio.

CBRE, which acquired Heery in 2017, will retain full …

WESTBROOK, ME — St.Germain (formerly St.Germain Collins), a Maine-based environmental consulting and civil engineering firm, has completed its acquisition of MAI Environmental, an environmental consulting and field-testing services firm founded in 2000 by Maine licensed geologist John Marchewka.

This acquisition expands St.Germain’s environmental investigation, remediation, and site redevelopment …

ROSELLE, NJ — Magni America LLC welcomes ABLE Equipment Rental, Inc. to its dealer network. ABLE Equipment Rental will offer Magni’s line of telehandlers in parts of Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania and all of New Jersey and Delaware.

ABLE will offer the full line of Magni models including 16 …

BOSTON, MA — Every year, Shawmut Design and Construction’s IT Department hosts a holiday drive for a select organization. This year, the team chose the New England Center and Home for Veterans.

As a result of the help from their employees, the Shawmut team collected and donated blankets, socks, …

BOSTON, MA — Tighe & Bond, a Northeast engineering and environmental consulting firm, announces that it has acquired Boston-based Halvorson Design, a firm specializing in landscape architecture, planning and urban design. The acquisition expands the geographic footprint, capabilities and sector expertise of both firms and offers clients a …

BOSTON, MA — CDM Smith has launched a new internal Leadership Academy with development tracks for every member of the firm, as well as specialty programs for people leaders and succession prep.

“This is an investment in all employees, from young new leaders to seasoned senior leaders and everyone in …

SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT — The employee-owners of PC Construction announce that the company raised $52,682 for United Way of Northwest Vermont’s annual campaign.

This year marked PC Construction’s 54th annual United Way campaign. In the 1966 inaugural year, the company donated a total of $213 to the organization. This year, …

BOSTON, MA — CDM Smith, based in Boston, Massachusetts, announces the acquisition of Bioscope Environmental. Based in Perth, Western Australia, Bioscope Environmental provides project lifecycle services from early approvals through to post closure relinquishment and environmental monitoring.

“As our portfolio of mining work has expanded, we felt it …

PORTLAND, ME — The Woodard & Curran Foundation recently named Friends of Casco Bay, based in South Portland, Maine, as its fourth Impact Grant recipient. Selected from a field of nearly 60 nonprofit applicants, Friends of Casco Bay will receive $100,000 distributed over the next three years to further its …

EAST GREENWICH, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) teamed up with numerous construction and trade industry professionals to help more than 500 high school seniors from 26 schools explore new careers in the transportation construction trades at the RIDOT Construction Career Days, held at RIDOT's Midstate Facility …

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction input prices remained unchanged on a monthly basis in October but are down 2.2 percent year-over-year, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices fell 0.1 percent for the month and are …

ARLINGTON, VA — Eighty percent of construction firms report they are having a hard time filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce, according to the results of an industry-wide survey released by Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the …

MOLINE, IL — Among professional construction contractors who rented equipment in the past year, a majority expects to increase reliance on rental in the year ahead, according to a comprehensive survey of contractors released by the American Rental Association (ARA).

The “Rental Customer Needs Study,” conducted by RSG, an independent …

VICTOR, NY — The Independent Equipment Dealers Association (IEDA) is a self-regulating organization dedicated to advancing the goals of independent used equipment dealers and related businesses worldwide. The IEDA's website is a vital part of its mission to help equipment dealers build more profitable relationships, and to provide its members …

ARLINGTON, VA — Construction employment increased by 4,000 jobs in May and by 215,000, or 3 percent, over the past 12 months, while the number of unemployed jobseekers with construction experience fell to a record low, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of …

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Somerset CPAs and Advisors will be launching their 2019 Construction Industry Financial Performance and Salary & Benefits Survey. This industry-specific survey provides information about the financial standing of the national construction community, outlining salaries and benefits by position, balance sheets, statements of operations and other information as …

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) recently marked National Work Zone Awareness Week at an event that highlighted the story of an RIDOT worker injured in a crash this winter. Joe Molis, who is still recuperating, was in his work truck when a car slammed …