Construction News for the Week Ending April 3, 2026
Judge Orders Resumption of Chicago Transit Funding
A federal judge ordered the Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration to resume payments for Chicago’s Red Line Extension and Red and Purple Modernization projects by Friday. The CTA sued after the agencies withheld over $2 billion in funding due to a policy review of diversity and inclusion programs. The ruling is a victory for the CTA and residents of Chicago’s Far South Side.
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California Allocates $848 Million for Transit and Freight Improvements
The California Transportation Commission allocated $848 million to advance mass transit and improve freight operations. This includes $100 million for a 5-mile BART tunnel between San Jose and Santa Clara, part of the $12.2 billion BART Silicon Valley Phase II project.
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Oklahoma City Begins $900M Continental Coliseum Construction
Oklahoma City broke ground on the $900 million Continental Coliseum, the future home of the Thunder. The arena, funded by a penny sales tax and contributions from the Thunder’s ownership, is scheduled for completion by June 2029.
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Walbridge and Woodchuck’s Waste Reduction Partnership
Walbridge, a Detroit-based builder, partnered with Woodchuck, a climate-focused startup, to support waste reduction efforts on Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park project in Michigan. Using Woodchuck’s AI-powered platform, Walbridge has diverted thousands of tons of waste from landfills, achieving 40% of its materials-related savings goals in just three months. The partnership aims to divert 8,000 tons of wood and 1,000 tons of other materials from landfills over the course of the project.
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Trump’s DEI Contract Clause Order
President Trump directed federal departments and agencies to include a clause in contracts prohibiting contractors from engaging in racially discriminatory DEI activities. The order, effective until April 25, aims to eliminate DEI initiatives that allegedly create unnecessary costs and limit labor pools. It also mandates contractors to provide information for agency review and considers False Claims Act charges for violations.
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Jacobs to Design I-39, I-90, I-94 Corridor Modernization in Wisconsin
Jacobs, a Dallas-based contractor, will begin the design phase for the I-39, I-90, and I-94 corridor modernization project in Wisconsin later this year. The project, which aims to reconstruct key segments of the heavily traveled route between Madison and Wisconsin Dells, includes widening interchanges, reconstructing bridges, and raising roadway elevation.
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Robots and AI in Construction: Enhancing Efficiency and Decision-Making
Robots and AI are increasingly being used on construction job sites to handle tasks like wall layouts and as-built installation scans, allowing contractors to surface risks and make faster decisions. However, the effectiveness of these tools relies heavily on the quality and consistency of the data they are fed, highlighting the importance of accurate information and effective coordination between teams. While AI can automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency, successful integration requires retooling existing processes and ensuring alignment with real-world construction conditions.
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Randstad Report: Addressing Skilled Labor Demand in the U.S.
Randstad North America’s report highlights the growing demand for skilled labor in the U.S., driven by the rapid scaling of data centers and digital infrastructure. The report recommends organizations adopt flexible hiring policies, including strategic hiring, a blended workforce model, and upskilling programs, to attract and retain skilled workers. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, predictability, and clear career progression paths to address worker insecurities and promote long-term growth.
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Judge Halts Trump’s White House Ballroom Construction
A federal judge halted construction on President Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom, citing a lack of Congressional approval. The project, funded by private donations, will be paused for 14 days, allowing the administration to appeal. The ruling is a temporary victory for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued the president lacks the authority to make such changes to the historic White House.
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Halo Vista: $7B Development Near TSMC Campus
Halo Vista, a $7 billion mixed-use development, is breaking ground north of Phoenix. The project, led by Willmeng Construction, will feature nearly 30 million square feet of space for various uses and is strategically located near the TSMC semiconductor campus. The development aims to capitalize on the region’s growing semiconductor industry and attract talent to the area.
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Office-to-Apartment Conversions Surge Amid Remote Work and Vacancies
The number of office-to-apartment conversions in the pipeline grew by 28% year over year to 90,300 units at the start of 2026. This surge is driven by the rise of remote work and high office vacancies, prompting cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago to offer incentives for these conversions to address affordable housing shortages.
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Construction Job Openings Decline in February
Construction job openings decreased in February, with 202,000 unfilled positions, a drop of 28,000 from January. The hiring rate slowed to 3.3%, the slowest on record, while layoffs and quits remained steady, indicating contractors are retaining their workforce but are cautious about expanding.
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TeraWulf’s Kentucky Facility Faces Community Concerns
TeraWulf, a data center infrastructure developer, acquired land in Kentucky for a new facility. While developers face technical challenges, public pushback is a major concern, with concerns about noise, pollution, and community impact. To gain community support, developers are encouraged to highlight benefits like job creation, infrastructure upgrades, and community investments, as seen in projects by Meta and Amazon.
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Autodesk Acquires Rhumbix to Enhance Construction Data Visibility
Autodesk acquired Rhumbix, a company that focuses on collecting accurate jobsite data, to improve data visibility and streamline processes across the construction project lifecycle. The acquisition will allow Autodesk to provide more accurate cost tracking, better forecasting, and stronger documentation for change orders. Rhumbix’s platform will be integrated with Autodesk’s construction platform to enhance resource management and project workflows.
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Turner Construction Files $7 Million Lien on NC Project Amid NYC Skyscraper Cost Surge
Turner Construction filed a $7 million lien on a North Carolina condominium project due to payment issues. New York City remains the most expensive city for skyscraper construction, with costs rising 30% since 2020 due to high interest rates, rising materials costs, and labor shortages.
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Sustainable Building Material from Sawdust and Struvite
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a sustainable building material using sawdust and struvite, a mineral found in water treatment plant pipes. The struvite, mixed with an enzyme from watermelon seeds, strengthens the sawdust, creating a durable and fire-resistant panel. While struvite is expensive, accessing it from sewage treatment plants could provide a cost-effective solution and reduce pipe clogs.
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Cumming Group Launches Advanced Tech Division
Cumming Group launched a new division focused on advanced technology projects, including data centers and semiconductor facilities. The division, led by industry experts, aims to support clients delivering high-tech facilities globally. Cumming Group anticipates significant growth in the data center market, projecting a 20-30% annual increase.
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