Construction News for the Week Ending January 9, 2026
Construction job openings rise in November
Construction job openings increased in November, reaching 292,000, up 90,000 from October and 15,000 from the previous year. Despite this increase, hiring remains sluggish due to project uncertainty, with the hire rate at 4.1%, the lowest in 25 years.
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U.S. to impose new tariffs on Chinese semiconductors in 2027
The U.S. plans to impose new tariffs on semiconductors from China starting June 23, 2027, following a Section 301 investigation into China’s semiconductor policies. The tariffs, which will stack upon the existing 50% tariff, aim to combat China’s control over the semiconductor sector and its impact on U.S. commerce and economic security. This move adds to ongoing trade tensions between the two superpowers.
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Dodge momentum index surges 7% in December
The Dodge Momentum Index, tracking nonresidential construction projects entering the planning stages, jumped 7% in December, largely due to data centers and healthcare projects. This growth, up 37% compared to 2024, is expected to continue into 2027, with sustained planning momentum in data center, healthcare, and recreational building construction.
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Offshore wind lease pause over security concerns
The Department of the Interior paused leases for large-scale offshore wind projects due to national security concerns, despite prior reviews and mitigation agreements. Five major projects, including Revolution Wind and Empire Wind, are affected, with Empire Wind arguing the halt is arbitrary and infringes on their lease rights.
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Brad Jeanneret appointed CEO of Hensel Phelps
Brad Jeanneret, former president and COO, is now the new president and CEO of Hensel Phelps, succeeding Mike Choutka. Jeanneret joined the company in 1996 and has held various roles, including leading the creation of Diverge, the company’s innovation arm.
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2026 construction focus: data centers, infrastructure, manufacturing
In 2026, contractors will focus on data center construction, infrastructure projects, and manufacturing, with material costs remaining stable despite tariff uncertainties. The data center sector will benefit from continued demand, though power availability and labor constraints could pose challenges. Infrastructure spending will remain strong due to existing funding, but potential reauthorization issues later in the year could impact new awards.
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Mortenson secures $225M Denver women’s soccer stadium contract
Mortenson won a contract to build a $225 million women’s soccer stadium in Denver for the Denver Summit Football Club. The stadium, with approximately 14,500 seats, will be part of the Sante Fe Yards redevelopment project and is the second purpose-built women’s soccer stadium in the U.S.
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Micron’s $100 billion megafab groundbreaking in New York
Micron will break ground on its $100 billion megafab in Onondaga County, New York on January 16th. The project, the largest private investment in New York state history, will feature up to four fabs and meet the growing demands of the artificial intelligence boom.
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Potomac Overlook development plan
Quadrangle Development Corp. plans to build Potomac Overlook, a mixed-use residential project with 1,775 apartments, a hotel, and green spaces, on the former Key Bridge Marriott site. The project aims to maximize public access to the Potomac River and U.S. Capitol views, with underground parking and connections to local trails and parks.
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$445M LAX roadway contract signed
Skanska and FlatironDragados signed a $445 million contract with Los Angeles World Airports for roadway improvements at LAX. The project, part of a $30 billion modernization program, includes reconfiguring roadways, upgrading traffic signals, and deploying advanced traffic monitoring systems.
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Garney’s South Hillsborough pipeline project
Garney, a national water and wastewater contractor, is building the South Hillsborough Pipeline, a 26-mile potable water pipeline in Florida. The $505.7 million project, the largest in Tampa Bay Water’s history, will utilize innovative tunneling technology, including a first-of-its-kind curved microtunnel with a press fit connection system. The pipeline, expected to be operational by the end of 2028, will have a capacity of 65 million gallons per day.
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Kraft Group’s new Revolution Stadium project
The Kraft Group plans to build a new soccer-specific stadium for the New England Revolution, with construction starting after the demolition of a decommissioned power station. The project includes a waterfront park and pedestrian/bicycle path, with the earliest completion date being 2027.
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California’s high-speed rail seeks private investment
California’s high-speed rail project, plagued by delays and funding issues, is seeking private sector investment and leveraging state funding to accelerate progress. The project aims to utilize proven global best practices and commercialize assets to maximize value and deliver high-speed infrastructure.
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