Highway Contractors Report Growing Dangers in Work Zones

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Motorists continue to face far greater risks than construction workers in highway work zone crashes, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and HCSS. Association officials said the new findings show that distracted driving, inconsistent enforcement and rising safety costs continue to make highway work zones more dangerous for both motorists and construction crews. The association and HCSS also released a new video urging drivers to slow down, avoid distractions and stay alert in work zones during the busy summer driving season. “Summer construction season means more crews … Read more

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ABC: Construction Materials Prices Surge 2.6% in May

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Construction input prices increased 2.6% in May compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors’ analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index data. Overall construction materials prices are 9.6% higher than one year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 9.7% higher. Prices increased in 2 of the 3 energy subcategories last month. Crude petroleum prices increased 11.8% and unprocessed energy materials increased 6.9%. Natural gas prices were down 18.2% in May. “Construction input prices surged again in May and are now up nearly 10% year over year,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. … Read more

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Copper Development Association Supports Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals at SkillsUSA National Championships

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The Copper Development Association participated in the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. Working alongside the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation, CDA representatives provided materials, technical expertise, judging support and volunteer leadership for the national plumbing competition held at the Georgia World Congress Center. The annual event brings together top-performing students from across the United States and Puerto Rico who have advanced through state-level competitions to compete on a national stage. SkillsUSA highlights excellence across a wide range of career and technical disciplines, including plumbing, construction, HVAC, culinary arts, ornamental design, résumé writing and many other vocational fields. The national … Read more

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Southeast Chapter of ACPA Announces New Executive Director

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The Southeast Chapter of the American Concrete Pavement Association appointed Scott Palotta as its new executive director, effective June 1. Palotta brings over 28 years of leadership experience in concrete pavement construction and sales, with a strong track record in promotion of concrete pavement over other alternatives. In this role, Palotta will oversee the organization’s strategic direction, operations and program development, while advancing its mission to assist the cement and concrete paving industries in technical, educational and promotional aspects, ensuring continued successful use of the material to serve needs throughout the Southeast region for pavement construction. Palotta most recently served as a … Read more

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ABC Honors Best Construction Projects, Leaders in Jobsite Safety and Contractor of the Year

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Associated Builders and Contractors announced its National Excellence in Construction and Health and Safety Excellence award winners and the Contractor of the Year. The winners were announced at the 36th annual EIC Awards Gala during ABC Convention 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. ABC Awards 86 Best National Construction Projects of 2025 ABC Celebrates 59 Contractors for Jobsite Health and Safety Excellence Coakley & Williams Construction of Bethesda, Maryland, Is ABC’s 2026 Contractor of the Year. The 36th Annual National Excellence in Construction Awards celebrate the best in merit shop construction, honoring the most outstanding construction projects and contractors of … Read more

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