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.

Related News

April 24, 2026

March Awards Total $10.1 Billion

What happened: The value of transportation projects expected to break ground in the next…

Learn More
March 13, 2026

States Address Aging Bridges

What’s happening: Bridges continue to be a focus for some state highway programs, with…

Learn More
January 30, 2026

2025 Another Record-Level Year

What happened: The total value of state and local government transportation contract awards was…

Learn More