Construction News for the Week Ending March 20, 2026
AECOM Wins $1B Seattle Transit Expansion Contract
AECOM secured work on a 19-contract program for the expansion of Seattle’s regional transit network, expected to generate $1 billion in engineering services. The work will cover civil and structural engineering, planning, and environmental services.
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Penzance’s $4 Billion Data Center Investment in West Virginia
Penzance will invest $4 billion to build a 1.9 million square foot data center in West Virginia’s Falling Waters District. The project, located near Virginia’s Data Center Alley, will create 1,000 construction jobs and benefit from West Virginia’s business-friendly environment and energy strategy. The state’s streamlined permitting and support for reliable energy sources like coal and natural gas were key factors in Penzance’s decision.
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Contractors’ Optimism in Data Centers and AI
Contractors are optimistic about the opportunities presented by data center construction and a potential new highway bill. While some see the artificial intelligence build-out as a significant opportunity, others warn against overhyping the technology.
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Businesses Sue Trump Administration Over 10% Tariff
Two small businesses, Burlap and Barrel and Basic Fun, sued the Trump administration over the 10% global tariff, arguing it harms their operations and is economically unjustified. They claim the tariff is based on a false premise and will lead to increased costs, reduced investment, and potential business failure.
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Construction Job Openings Decline in January
Construction job openings slowed to 231,000 at the end of January, a decrease of 14,000 from December. While hiring increased, economists urge caution due to economic uncertainties and slower hiring rates compared to pre-pandemic levels. Despite moderate hiring demand, contractors are retaining workers and delaying hiring plans.
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Turner Construction Begins $900M Geisinger Expansion
Turner Construction has begun vertical construction on an 11-story, 600,000-square-foot patient tower at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The $900 million expansion will increase patient beds, operating rooms, and support Geisinger’s goal of providing private rooms. The project is expected to create 3,800 construction jobs and generate $1 billion in local economic impact.
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Multifamily Housing Surge Boosts January Starts
Multifamily housing starts surged 29.1% in January, driving a 7.2% increase in overall housing starts. Despite a 2.8% decline in single-family starts, the strong multifamily sector, particularly in exurbs and smaller towns, contributed to the overall rise. However, building permits for both single-family and multifamily homes fell, indicating potential future declines.
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Contractors’ Optimism in Data Centers and AI
Contractors are optimistic about the opportunities presented by data center construction and a potential new highway bill. While some see the artificial intelligence build-out as a significant opportunity, others warn against overhyping the technology.
To read more, click here.
Georgia’s $4.6B SR 400 Express Lanes Project Begins in April
Major construction on Georgia’s $4.6 billion State Route 400 Express Lanes project will begin in April. The 16-mile corridor, managed by SR400 Peach Partners, will add tolled express lanes to manage traffic congestion. The project is expected to open in 2031.
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Fluor’s $3B-$4B Data Center Project in Kentucky
Fluor signed a limited notice to proceed on a 480-megawatt data center project with TeraWulf in Kentucky. The project, valued at $3 billion to $4 billion, will transform an aluminum smelter site into a data center campus.
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ATN to Cease Operations on March 31
The Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) will cease operations on March 31 due to budget deficits. The closure will impact 8 million annual riders, primarily those traveling between Disneyland Resorts and nearby hotels.
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Fed Holds Rates Steady Amid Economic Uncertainty
The Federal Reserve kept the main interest rate steady, citing uncertainty surrounding the economic impact of the Iran war and rising oil prices. While the Fed projects a slight reduction in the federal funds rate by 2026, they acknowledge the challenge of balancing inflation and unemployment. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the importance of controlling inflation expectations and expressed concern about the potential for persistent inflation.
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Wavelogix Secures $500,000 NSF Grant for Rebel System Expansion
Wavelogix, a contech firm, received a $500,000 NSF grant to expand pilot programs for its Rebel concrete strength-sensing system. The system, invented by Purdue University professor Luna Lu, uses IoT sensors to provide real-time temperature and strength readings, improving construction efficiency and reducing cement waste. The funding will support engineering, manufacturing, and validation data generation for state DOTs.
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Construction Input Prices Surge 12.6% Amid Energy Conflicts
Construction input prices rose 12.6% annually in early 2026, driven by energy price increases. The surge in oil prices due to the Iran conflict could further escalate construction material costs, potentially impacting profit margins and project timelines. While contractors remain optimistic, the rapid ascent of input prices warrants close monitoring.
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Stagnant U.S. Rail Transit Growth
New rail transit construction in the U.S. has not kept pace with population growth, resulting in a per-capita decrease in metro rail lines since 1990. Despite federal funding, public-sector spending on non-highway projects has remained flat, and the Federal Transit Administration has not signed new rail or bus transit agreements since 2025. Rising construction costs and a shift away from heavy rail towards light rail and bus rapid transit have further hindered progress.
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Georgia’s $4.6B SR 400 Express Lanes Project Begins in April
Major construction on Georgia’s $4.6 billion State Route 400 Express Lanes project will begin in April. The 16-mile corridor, managed by SR400 Peach Partners, will add tolled express lanes to manage traffic congestion. The project is expected to open in 2031.
To read more, click here.
