Construction News for the Week Ending February 13, 2026
Construction Backlog Hits Four-Year Low in January
Construction backlog fell to 8 months in January, its lowest level in four years, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors survey. While larger contractors saw backlog gains, smaller ones experienced a decline, and infrastructure backlog increased month over month.
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Skanska Joint Venture Secures $534M Vincent Thomas Bridge Contract
A Skanska joint venture with California Engineering Contractors won a $534 million contract to replace the Vincent Thomas Bridge deck in Los Angeles. The project, valued at $706 million by Caltrans, includes deck replacement, new expansion joints, corrosion-protection systems, and railing replacements. Work will begin in March, with completion expected by March 2029.
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Skanska’s Optimism in U.S. Construction Market
Skanska remains optimistic about the U.S. construction market, particularly in data centers and civil construction, despite overall market fragmentation. The company’s earnings report highlighted strong demand for data centers, driven by the AI boom, and successful divestment of commercial properties in Q4. Skanska’s construction operating margins exceeded expectations, reaching 4.1% for the year.
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PCL Construction to Build Bison Generation Station
Basin Electric Power Cooperative selected PCL Construction to build the Bison Generation Station, a nearly $4 billion natural gas-fueled plant in North Dakota. The plant, expected to be operational in 2029 and 2030, will produce up to 1,490 megawatts to meet regional electric load growth.
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New Residence Halls Construction at URI Kingston Campus
Gilbane and the University of Rhode Island have begun construction on three residence halls at the Kingston campus, adding over 1,100 beds. The $210.8 million project, part of a public-private partnership, includes two new apartment-style residence halls and the reconstruction of the Graduate Village Apartments. The first residence hall is expected to open in Fall 2027, with full completion by Fall 2028.
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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to Open in San Juan in 2029
Hard Rock International is partnering with Misla Hospitality, Stonecrest Investment Management, and The Interfin Companies to develop an $850 million music-inspired hospitality and entertainment venue in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, opening in 2029, will feature 415 rooms, 58 suites, 186 branded residences, and a variety of amenities including a recording studio, Rock Spa, and multiple dining options.
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Shift in Urban Development Focus
Urban infill development, particularly mid-rise and high-rise projects in large metros, remains challenging. Developers are shifting focus to outer ring areas and affordable housing, prioritizing market needs and financeable yields over high-density, high-cost projects.
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DPR Construction Starts $380M Modesto Healthcare Project
DPR Construction began site work on a $380 million healthcare facility project in Modesto, California. The project, designed by HGA, will feature a four-story Advanced Cancer Center and Care Complex for Sutter Health, including an ambulatory surgery center and outpatient care.
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Shift in Urban Development Focus
Urban infill projects, particularly mid-rise and high-rise developments, are challenging to execute due to high costs and low yields. Developers are shifting focus to outer ring areas and affordable housing, prioritizing projects with financeable yields.
To read more, click here.
AECOM Foresees Resumption of Federal Construction Work
AECOM expects federal construction work to resume this spring after delays caused by the 43-day government shutdown. The firm anticipates increased federal award activity in the second and third quarters, driven by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the surface transportation authorization. Additionally, AECOM is expanding its advisory and program management services to capitalize on the growing demand for these offerings.
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Court Resumes Gateway Tunnel Funding
A federal appeals court allowed a Feb. 6 order to resume funding for the Gateway tunnel project, despite the Trump administration’s appeal. The project, facing funding threats since last fall, has laid off nearly 1,000 workers and incurred additional costs to manage unfinished work sites.
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Gen Z Shifts to Skilled Trades for Security and Growth
A survey by Resume Templates shows that six in ten Gen Zers are considering skilled trades over white-collar work for job security, skill development, and solid pay. This shift in interest is partly driven by concerns about college debt and the potential threat of AI to white-collar jobs. Employers are responding with apprenticeship programs and collaborations to train workers in high-demand trades.
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Bedrock Robotics Secures $270M in Series B Funding
Bedrock Robotics, a construction technology firm, raised $270 million in a Series B funding round, bringing its total funding to over $350 million. The company’s flagship product, the Bedrock Operator, enables existing heavy machinery to operate autonomously using lidar, GPS, and motion sensors. This funding round highlights the growing trend of automating heavy equipment in the construction industry to improve productivity and safety.
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