In today’s US construction news, read about how, as workers prepare to reopen a lane in each way this fall, the $122 million new U.S. 1 bridge over the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter has reached a significant milestone in its construction. Meanwhile, one of the biggest professional services businesses in the US, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), announced that it has been named the top construction accounting firm by Construction Executive for the fifth consecutive year in 2024. Finally, as urban areas worldwide step up their efforts to reduce their carbon impact, mass wood is becoming a ground-breaking material for sustainable building.
Fall Reopening Nears as Construction Reaches Two-thirds
Original Source: Jupiter U.S. 1 bridge update: Construction passes two-thirds mark as fall reopening nears
New U.S. 1 bridge over the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter has reached a milestone as crews prepare to reopen a lane in each direction this fall.
Florida Department of Transportation claimed two-thirds of the project is done last week. Drivers may see its lanes and control house appear on the other side of the river.
The bridge’s western half’s bike lane, walkway, and one lane in each direction on the southbound side have “the current target date” of Sunday, Nov. 10.
The project is on track to finish in spring 2026, and all lanes will open after the new year.
FDOT reported around 100 team members work 24/7 weekdays and weekends. After pouring 350 tons of concrete on the bridge tracks, a project spokesperson said contractors will place steel sections on its piers and sidewalk slabs and put concrete beams on its approach spans this month. They also install light pole foundations.
A project spokeswoman claimed “no fishing” signage will prohibit bridge fishing at all times.
Case said personnel are most affected by heat, since the summer’s 90-degree days and excessive humidity have made Johnson Bros.’ productivity levels lower. The crew is encouraged to take breaks and has water stations, fans, and coolers.
It may take time for crews to secure segments of the bridge and drop their construction cranes if a hurricane hits Jupiter Inlet during storm season, Case said. Also, barges would be linked together and hauled to safety.
Days before a storm, construction will continue.
The new Jupiter U.S. 1 bridge will protect boats, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The bridge closed for construction March 13, 2023. Jupiter-Tequesta bridge, erected in 1958 and deteriorating, was dismantled.
The new bridge will include two 11-foot automobile lanes, 8-foot sidewalks, and 7-foot bike lanes on both sides. The former bridge had a 2-foot shoulder and no walkway.
The rebuilt bridge is safer for walkers, bikers, and boats, with additional passage space. Boat traffic had a 25-foot vertical clearance on the original bridge. New one will be 42 feet tall.
During the repair, crews maintained the 90-foot canal near the bridge open to boaters. After finished, it will be 120 feet wide.
FDOT says that adjustment will reduce bridge openings by 44%, improving U.S. 1 traffic.
Fifth Time CLA Named Top US Construction Accounting Firm in 2024
Original Source: CLA Named 2024 Top US Construction Accounting Firm for the Fifth Time
August 5, 2024—CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), a renowned US professional services business, was named Construction Executive’s top construction accounting firm for the fifth time in 2024.
Construction Executive magazine’s annual list of the top 50 accounting companies with a construction practice serves over 55,000 commercial, industrial, and institutional contractors and construction-related business owners.
“CLA has worked hard to know and help construction clients. Tom Dearnley, CLA construction industry managing principal, said it’s an honor to be acknowledged again. Our clients’ trust and the chance to specialize in our field are much appreciated.
CLA was awarded for its industry service based on the number of CPAs, principals, and staff with CCIFP certification in its construction practice, total revenues, locations, and construction clients.
In an ever-changing industry, CLA’s construction professionals provide timely financial, tax, and operational insights and strategies to help customers succeed.
CLA provides industry-focused wealth advice, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services with the goal of generating possibilities for our clients, employees, and communities. We guarantee to get to know you and be of assistance. We have close to 9,000 employees, over 130 sites, and a global goal. CLA Global’s independent network member is CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. See the disclaimer at CLAglobal.com. CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor, provides investment advising services.
US Cities Get New Funding for Sustainable Mass Timber Construction
Original Source: New Funding for Sustainable Mass Timber Construction in U.S. Cities
As cities worldwide strive to reduce their carbon footprint, mass wood is becoming a revolutionary sustainable construction resource. Mass timber is a promising alternative to traditional building materials since it reduces embodied carbon emissions. Numerous cities’ sustainability goals overlap with its benefits of storing carbon, decreasing material waste, and improving occupant experience through biophilic design. The Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) is pleased to report the success of its recent mass timber accelerator programs and its search for more cities and financing partners for 2026 in response to this trend.
Three recent mass wood accelerator initiatives in Boston, New York City, and Atlanta show how cities, federal agencies, and lumber industry associations may work together. These programs used SLB, USDA Forest Service, and other monies to fund active mass timber development projects in the early planning and design stages. WoodWorks, an SLB-funded program with wood building expertise, assists these projects. For city mass wood projects, accelerator programs bring together local leaders and the building community to discuss finance sources, ideal construction types, labor and supply chain factors.
Although Atlanta, New York City, and Boston have built major mass wood initiatives, these accelerator programs fund and advise less experienced project teams, boosting momentum in these areas. Boston’s 2021 program’s final report found that mass timber is accelerating in the city and region, with eight active projects totaling over 1.3 million square feet and 22 future projects totaling over 4.3 million square feet. These mass timber buildings saved 35% to 80% of embodied carbon compared to steel structures, enabling the city reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
“Mass timber accelerator programs have given participating cities a faster way to meet their sustainable development goals and develop low-carbon building methods within their building communities,” says SLB President and CEO Cees de Jager. These examples demonstrate that focused and cooperative public-private partnerships can lower mass timber construction hurdles and create more sustainable city buildings.
“Growing mass timber construction is a win-win for cities and forests,” says USDA Forest Service Deputy Chief of State, Private and Tribal Forestry John Crockett. As wildfires increase, sustainably cutting trees to make mass timber enhances forest health and resilience, supports sustainable building construction, and helps cities meet their carbon reduction targets.
NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball states, “The NYC Mass Timber Studio is a prime example of how New York City is taking bold action to scale our city’s clean construction industry and transform the carbon impact of our built environment.” “We applaud the SLB on launching additional accelerator programs and look forward to working together to advance sustainable design and construction practices across New York and power our green economy.”
Spreading Impact to More Cities
Additional cities, especially those with strong sustainability aims, are encouraged to apply for financing and support for their own mass timber accelerator programs from the SLB. After the success of the inaugural projects, the SLB wants to invest $100,000 to $250,000 each city to promote mass timber construction countrywide.
Cities interested in expediting mass wood initiatives and contributing to a sustainable future can submit a brief proposal for financing and program support. We can create a greener, more sustainable city.
Summary of today’s construction news
In simple terms, with more space for boats to pass beneath it, the new bridge is intended to be safer for boaters as well as for bicycles and walkers. Boat traffic may pass the old bridge with a 25-foot vertical clearance. The new one will be forty-two feet high.
Meanwhile, based on a variety of factors, such as total sales, locations, and the number of construction clients, CLA was honored for its dedication to serving the sector. Among these were the number of CPAs, principals, and staff within its construction practice who hold the CCIFP certification. The committed team of construction experts at CLA provides timely financial, tax, and operational insights and strategies to assist its clients in succeeding in a changing market.
Finally, according to Andrew Kimball, President & CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), “The NYC Mass Timber Studio is a prime example of how New York City is taking bold action to scale our city’s clean construction industry and transform the carbon impact of our built environment.” According to USDA Forest Service Deputy Chief of State for Private and Tribal Forestry John Crockett, “growing mass timber construction is a win-win for cities and forests.”
