Construction News for the Week Ending May 15, 2026
Dodge Momentum Index Rises 6.2% in April
The Dodge Momentum Index, tracking nonresidential construction projects entering planning stages, rose 6.2% in April, driven by a data center construction boom. While data center planning saw a 37.2% year-over-year increase, other sectors like commercial and institutional planning also showed growth.
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Fluor’s Project Pipeline Expands 50% Amid Market Demand
Fluor’s project pipeline has grown 50% over the past year, driven by demand in critical minerals, life science, LNG, nuclear, refining, and power markets. While new awards fell sharply, the company remains optimistic about future growth, particularly in power generation projects driven by AI-driven electricity needs.
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Chicago’s Booming Construction Market
Chicago’s construction market is booming with high-profile projects in infrastructure and entertainment, including a casino and M&A activity.
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Tutor Intelligence: Cost-Effective Robot Training
Tutor Intelligence, a startup founded by MIT graduates, is developing a cost-effective method for teaching robots to perform general tasks. Their approach uses a combination of cameras, vision-learning software, and human supervision, rather than expensive sensors and actuators. The company, which has raised $42 million, is currently testing its robots, named Sonny, at its new headquarters in Watertown, Massachusetts.
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AECOM’s AI Investments Boost Project Wins Amid Middle East Challenges
AECOM’s investments in artificial intelligence are leading to project wins, including a substantial recompete for a major energy client. The company’s high-tech business is growing rapidly, driven by demand for power, water, and defense spending. However, geopolitical instability in the Middle East negatively impacted revenue growth and project payments.
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Bechtel and Unions Modernize Nuclear Apprenticeships
Bechtel and North America’s Building Trades Unions signed a memorandum of understanding to modernize apprenticeship programs for nuclear construction projects. The partnership aims to align training with evolving nuclear construction methods while maintaining safety and quality standards. This initiative comes as nuclear construction activity accelerates due to rising electricity demand from AI, data centers, and electrification.
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Skanska Wins $1B Contract for Boston Rail Modernization
Skanska secured a $1 billion design-build contract to replace the North Station Draw One bascule bridges and modernize track and signal systems in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. The project will expand rail capacity and is expected to be completed by fall 2032.
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Iran War Impact on Business Costs and Investment
The Iran war has increased costs for businesses, leading to reduced investment and hiring plans. Nearly half of surveyed businesses reported negative impacts, with rising input costs and concerns about geopolitical risks.
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March Construction Spending Decline Amid Data Center Surge
Nonresidential construction spending fell 0.2% in March, with declines in both public and private sectors. While manufacturing and commercial construction spending decreased, data center construction spending surged 34.3% year over year, driven by strong demand for power projects.
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EEOC Sues ATG for Harassment and Discrimination
The EEOC filed a lawsuit against Advanced Technology Group, Inc. for allegedly allowing harassment of American workers at its Rio Rancho, New Mexico location. The lawsuit claims that ATG permitted national origin discrimination, including anti-American slurs and harassment, and fired a worker who complained. The EEOC asserts that ATG failed to prevent and address the harassment, creating a hostile work environment.
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Zachry Construction Modernizes Dallas Wastewater Infrastructure
Zachry Construction, a San Antonio-based infrastructure builder, is modernizing wastewater infrastructure for the Trinity River Authority in Dallas. The $108 million project, expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2029, includes building a new chlorine and sulfur dioxide containment building, a supplemental chlorine storage building, and various site improvements.
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Construction Input Prices Surge in April and 2026
Construction input prices rose 1.7% in April and 6.2% in 2026, driven by energy and metals-related materials. This surge, surpassing previous years, is expected to impact construction activity due to rising costs and potential delays.
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Coast Guard Awards $612.2M for Base Upgrades
The U.S. Coast Guard awarded contracts totaling $612.2 million to Whiting-Turner and Brasfield & Gorrie for upgrades at Training Center Cape May in New Jersey and Base Charleston in South Carolina. The projects include new facilities, a recapitalized pier, and a combined medical and dental facility. These upgrades aim to enhance the Coast Guard’s infrastructure and readiness.
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U.S. Electricity Growth and Renewables by 2050
U.S. electricity consumption is projected to grow over 55% by 2050, driven by data centers and electric vehicles. Grid-enhancing technologies, demand response, and behind-the-meter resources are crucial to meet this demand. Renewables are expected to exceed 50% of generation capacity in several regions.
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