The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) recently released a memo documenting a state-by-state compilation on the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the transportation construction industry.
ARTBA says it is closely monitoring the status of transportation construction projects across the country in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
"We are consulting with our affiliated chapters and members on a continual basis," the memo says. "Several chapters have shared the status reports they have made to their members, and are allowing us to excerpt them in this document."
ARTBA says the information in the memo also reflects reports made through the association's Council of State Executives, as well as from direct contacts and news stories. However, several public agencies have provided updates to ARTBA directly.
ARTBA says the current memo provides the most up-to-date information for the status on transportation projects at the state level, with some revisions added since the previous edition was posted. The report breaks down project impact updates for each state in the U.S.
The memo highlights the fact that numerous state governors across the country have issued "stay-at-home" orders, but have designated public works construction as an “essential” line of business to remain open. It also notes the statewide construction project shutdowns in Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington State. In addition, ARTBA says, the leading industry group in Michigan has asked the governor to reclassify construction field activities as “non-essential” and shut them down as part of the stay-at-home order.
The document also notes that contractors are implementing COVID-19 safeguards as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, their respective public health agencies, and others, while some agencies and industry groups have issued their own guidance in this area. Some state DOTs are taking advantage of lower traffic volumes by accelerating their road and bridge projects. Many state transportation agencies are putting their office employees on telework status.
ARTBA indicated that it will continue to publish new updates in future editions of the report.
--------
SOURCE: ARTBA
