Construction News for the Week Ending April 17, 2026
Court Allows Trump Ballroom Construction to Continue
President Trump’s White House ballroom to continue, pending clarification from Judge Richard Leon on the national security implications of the project. The court instructed Leon to specify which aspects of the ballroom are necessary for safety and security, particularly in relation to below-ground national security upgrades. The court emphasized that national security concerns do not justify otherwise unlawful activity.
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Lane Construction Selected for I-4 Project
Lane Construction has been selected as the preferred team to design and construct a $582 million segment of the Florida DOT’s Moving I-4 Forward program. The project involves reconstructing and widening a 3.1-mile stretch of Interstate 4, reconfiguring the state Road 429 interchange, and providing new ramps to and from state Road 538.
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Dodge Momentum Index Rises 1.8% in March
The Dodge Momentum Index, tracking nonresidential construction planning, rose 1.8% in March, driven primarily by data center projects. While commercial planning increased 7%, most sectors saw a decline, with institutional projects dropping 8.8%. Despite macroeconomic risks, the index remains 25.8% higher than March 2025, indicating a healthy future construction pipeline.
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Mortenson Acquires Nor-Cal Controls
Mortenson acquired Nor-Cal Controls, a control systems provider specializing in energy management for solar, battery storage, and microgrid applications. This acquisition strengthens Mortenson’s energy market presence and project delivery capabilities.
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Chestle Development Awarded $174.6M for Defective Concrete Work
A Philadelphia court awarded Chestle Development $174.6 million in damages from Tutor Perini for breach of contract related to defective concrete work at the W Hotel and Element Hotel complex. The award highlights contractor accountability for project work.
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Trump’s Controversial 250-Foot Arch Plan
The Trump administration unveiled plans for a 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. The arch, featuring a golden inscription and statues, would be located in Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery. While the administration claims the arch will enhance the visitor experience, critics argue it will distort existing monuments and obstruct views.
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U.S. Communities Push Back on Data Centers
Communities across the U.S. are pushing back against data centers, with some implementing restrictions and others seeking greater control over their development. While public sentiment is often against data centers due to environmental concerns, experts warn that blunt tools like moratoriums may create more problems than they solve. Instead, local leaders are encouraged to engage with communities early, structure deals for community benefit, and ensure transparency in the development process.
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Construction Backlog Rises to 8.6 Months in March
Construction backlog increased to 8.6 months in March, rebounding from a four-year low in January. The increase was driven by infrastructure and commercial/institutional projects, while heavy industrial bookings fell.
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Nemetschek Acquires HCSS to Boost Infrastructure Presence
Nemetschek Group, a construction software provider, acquired Heavy Construction Systems Specialists (HCSS) from Thoma Bravo. The acquisition aims to expand Nemetschek’s presence in the infrastructure and heavy civil construction sectors, leveraging HCSS’s expertise and solutions. This move aligns with the industry’s growing focus on infrastructure development, driven by government investments like the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
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Opposition to Trump’s “Magic Paint” Plan for Eisenhower Building
President Trump’s plan to paint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building with a “magic paint” is opposed by 25 restoration specialists. They argue that mineral silicate paint is unsuitable for granite, as it doesn’t chemically bond and could cause damage. The plan also violates federal laws requiring public notice and stakeholder consultation for work on historically significant buildings.
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OSHA Extends Heat Hazard NEP to 2031
OSHA has updated and extended its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on heat hazards, now running through 2031. The NEP provides resources and guidance to employers, highlighting construction as a high-risk industry. It emphasizes the importance of heat illness prevention plans, including providing water, shaded areas, rest breaks, and training.
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Weaker Economic Outlook in Construction Excluding AI Buildout
The construction industry’s economic outlook appears weaker when excluding the artificial intelligence buildout, particularly data centers. While data center projects continue to drive growth, other construction sectors, such as office and retail, are experiencing a slowdown. Despite rising input prices, data center contractors benefit from strong backlogs, allowing them to plan around cost increases.
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McKinsey and ALICE Technologies Launch AI Scheduling Software for Contractors
McKinsey and ALICE Technologies have partnered to offer AI-driven generative scheduling software to contractors. The software analyzes BIM models and schedules to generate efficient execution paths, helping organizations make faster, more informed decisions. The partnership aims to address challenges like labor scarcity and supply chain hurdles in large capital projects.
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Construction Input Prices Surge in March
Construction input prices rose 2.2% in March, driven by a 20.2% increase in crude petroleum prices due to geopolitical tensions. This surge, coupled with a 37.8% rise in diesel prices, is causing significant hardship for contractors, who are struggling to pass on these costs and facing potential project delays or cancellations.
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Truck Driver Awarded $5 Million for Hostile Work Environment at Cemex
A California truck driver was awarded $5 million in damages after a jury found that Cemex subjected him to a hostile work environment. The plaintiff, a Black man with a disability, alleged harassment and discrimination, including slurs and insults from co-workers, which Cemex allegedly failed to address. While the court dismissed the discrimination claim related to contract enforcement, it allowed the harassment and retaliation claims to proceed.
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March Construction Stress Surge Due to Iran War
Construction stress increased in March, driven by a surge in project abandonments linked to the Iran War. While delayed bids and on-hold projects decreased, the overall stress index remains higher than last year due to elevated input costs and disrupted oil trade flows.
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Carollo Engineers to Manage Reno’s $200M Water Facility
Carollo Engineers will provide construction management services for Nevada’s first water purification and reuse project, the $200 million Advanced Purified Water Facility. The project, a collaboration between the city of Reno and the Truckee Meadows Water Authority, aims to provide a drought-resistant water source and improve water quality. Construction is expected to begin this summer and continue through November 2028.
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