What happened: Contractors performed $12.4 billion in transportation construction work this January, up 4.4 percent from January 2025, according to the latest data. Work was up for highways, bridges, rail, and airport terminals and runways. This brings market activity over the last 12 months to $212 billion.

The big picture: Construction activity has reached record levels over the last few years, supported by increased federal and state investment. Work completed in the beginning of the year is a small part of the overall, annual picture, as it is dependent on weather conditions. Some states completely shutdown pavement projects during winter months.

Dig deeper: Detailed U.S. data by mode is available through ARTBA’s Transportation Construction Market Intelligence Service (TCMIS). The TCMIS also includes interactive information on all 50 state transportation budgets and state and local contract awards.

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