Construction News for the Week Ending September 11, 2026
Walmart’s $1.3 Billion Fulfillment Center in Georgia
Walmart plans to build a $1.3 billion, 1.5-million-square-foot automated fulfillment center in Carnesville, Georgia, creating 1,000 jobs. This facility is part of Walmart’s strategy to expand same-day and next-day shipping capabilities across the U.S.
To read more, click here.
I-40 Pigeon River Gorge Reconstruction Costs $2.8 Billion, Completion by 2029
The reconstruction of Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, damaged by Hurricane Helene, is now estimated to cost $2.8 billion and is expected to be completed by late 2029. The increased cost is due to new geotechnical data revealing deeper bedrock, requiring longer steel piles. NCDOT is using a construction manager/general contractor model to expedite the project while ensuring a durable solution.
To read more, click here.
Aspen Airport Redevelopment Faces Budget Overrun
The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport redevelopment is estimated to cost $677.6 million, including a new runway and the first phase of a new terminal. While the county has FAA grants and voter approval for a $340 million bond, the project is still over budget. To stay on track for a 2027 construction start, planners are moving into the design development phase, prioritizing essential elements and potentially deferring non-essential features like a parking garage and jet bridges.
To read more, click here.
Trump Administration Lifts Hold on Brandon Road Project
The Trump administration lifted a hold on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, aimed at preventing invasive carp from reaching the Great Lakes, after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called President Trump. The project, which has faced uncertainty under Trump, is crucial to protecting the Great Lakes from invasive carp, which were recently found alarmingly close to Lake Michigan. Despite the lifting of the hold, Illinois officials have not been notified, raising concerns about the project’s future.
To read more, click here.
Scaffolding Collapse at Ann Arbor Construction Site
A crane moving scaffolding on a 13th-floor construction site in Ann Arbor caused scaffolding to collapse, but it was not a structural failure of the building. The incident, which occurred on August 31st, was captured on video and the worksite was inspected the following day.
To read more, click here.
Building Futures Coalition Targets 1 Million Skilled Trades Workers by 2035
The Lowe’s Foundation launched The Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, aiming to train 1 million new skilled trades workers by 2035. The coalition, backed by over 75 member firms including Nvidia, AT&T, and Bank of America, seeks to change perceptions of skilled trades careers and invest in proven training methods. This initiative addresses the construction labor shortage, with an estimated need for 350,000 new workers by 2026.
To read more, click here.
Caterpillar and FieldAI Partner for Machine Automation
Caterpillar partnered with FieldAI to advance automation in its machines, combining its expertise with FieldAI’s robot foundation models. The partnership aims to improve safety, productivity, and efficiency on jobsites through applications like autonomous inspections and digital twins.
To read more, click here.
Southern Land Co. Faces Challenges in Established Markets
Despite economic challenges, Southern Land Co. continues to build in established markets, though fluctuating timelines and costs for labor and materials pose difficulties. While contractor competition is increasing, labor costs haven’t decreased enough to make development viable in many areas. Developers are cautiously moving forward with projects, hoping for further cost reductions and improved market conditions.
To read more, click here.
Amtrak’s $1 Billion Sunnyside Yard Facility
Amtrak is building a $1 billion maintenance facility at Sunnyside Yard in Long Island City, New York. The project, funded by Congress, will support Amtrak’s new Airo trainsets and includes a new maintenance facility, service tracks, and platform upgrades.
To read more, click here.
Bechtel Completes Corpus Christi LNG Expansion
Bechtel, a major contractor, completed the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Stage 3 Project in Texas, expanding Cheniere’s LNG production capacity by over 20%. This milestone comes amid global energy trade disruptions and follows Bechtel’s significant LNG infrastructure projects in Texas, including a $9 billion contract with NextDecade for the Rio Grande project.
To read more, click here.
FAA Invests $481 Million in Airport Infrastructure
The FAA will invest $481 million to improve airport infrastructure in 36 states and two territories. The funding, part of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will support terminal upgrades, runway improvements, and overall airport rehabilitation.
To read more, click here.
Bally’s CFO Resigns Amid Financial Challenges
Bally’s CFO Mira Mircheva resigned for personal reasons, effective Friday, and will assist with the transition through September 30. George Papanier will serve as interim CFO until a permanent replacement is found. Bally’s is facing financial challenges, including a cash crunch and a potential debt compliance issue, and is exploring options to boost liquidity.
To read more, click here.
Caterpillar and FieldAI Partner for Machine Automation
Caterpillar partnered with FieldAI to advance automation in its machines, combining its expertise with FieldAI’s robot foundation models. The partnership aims to improve safety, productivity, and efficiency on jobsites through applications like autonomous inspections and digital twins.
To read more, click here.
Data Center Construction Surge Amid Challenges
Data center construction projects nearly tripled between March and August 2026, driven by investments from tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. However, challenges such as securing reliable power, navigating state regulations, and supply chain bottlenecks, particularly for electrical equipment, are impacting project timelines. Virginia, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, and Indiana are leading states in data center development.
To read more, click here.
West Seattle Link Extension Opening Delayed to 2035
Sound Transit delayed the opening of its West Seattle Link Extension from 2032 to 2035 due to cost savings efforts and a longer construction schedule for complex portions. Despite the delay, procurement for major packages has begun, with additional procurements expected in the coming years.
To read more, click here.
Dodge Momentum Index Slight Dip in August
The Dodge Momentum Index, a measure of nonresidential construction projects entering the planning stages, decreased slightly in August due to weaker data center planning. However, planning momentum remained strong in other sectors, such as offices, hotels, education, and public buildings. Despite the slowdown in data centers, total construction planning is still ahead of last year’s pace.
To read more, click here.
U.S. Expands Trade War with Canada
The U.S. escalated its trade war with Canada by banning imports of select goods and extending a 50% tariff to a wider range of imports, including specialty cheeses and boats. This move follows Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, which were implemented after failed negotiations over the tariffs. The trade dispute stems from accusations of discrimination against U.S. commerce in the alcoholic beverages, dairy, and motor vehicle sectors.
To read more, click here.
New Philadelphia Arena Design Unveiled
The new arena for the 76ers, Flyers, and Philadelphia’s WNBA team, opening in spring 2030, will be built on the former site of The Spectrum. The design features three cantilevered bands reminiscent of The Spectrum and will include plazas, gathering areas, and a wide stairway entrance.
To read more, click here.
AECOM Tishman’s Role in World Trade Center Rebuilding
AECOM Tishman, the contractor for the reconstruction of the World Trade Center, played a crucial role in the rebuilding efforts following the 9/11 attacks. The company managed the construction of four of the new buildings and the transportation hub, coordinating with various design teams and overcoming significant engineering challenges. The rebuild effort also led to advancements in safety protocols and technology adoption within the construction industry.
To read more, click here.
Crowne Plaza Times Square Reopens as Americas Flagship
Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square, a 22-story, 685-key hotel, reopened on September 2nd after a renovation. The hotel, now the brand’s Americas flagship property, offers branded experiences, meeting spaces, and a new bar and restaurant. This renovation reflects IHG’s long-term vision for the asset and confidence in the US hospitality market.
To read more, click here.
West Seattle Link Extension Opening Delayed to 2035
Sound Transit delayed the opening of its West Seattle Link Extension from 2032 to 2035 due to cost savings efforts and a longer construction schedule for complex portions. Despite the delay, procurement for major packages has already begun, with additional procurements expected in the coming years.
To read more, click here.
