In today’s construction news, given the volatile nature of the economy and the varying demand, market players are closely monitoring these dynamics in order to make predictions about the future. Meanwhile, on Monday, August 12, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and prime contractor Bixby Electric reported that work on installing a three-way signal at the junction of Baylor Drive and DePaul Avenue in Buena Vista and U.S. Highway 24 had commenced. On the other hand, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps engineering cadets are in Nashville to visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District and gain insight into the district’s operations, construction, and engineering missions in the Tennessee and Cumberland River basins, as well as an area of operations that includes portions of seven states. Lastly, as of right now, Construction Simulator® is on its fourth mobile release.
Construction and Lumber Prices Fluctuated Amid Economic Changes
Original Source: US housing market analysis: Construction market and lumber prices mixed amid economic shifts
Market participants are watching these trends to predict future paths amid shifting demand and an uncertain economy.
US house construction uncertainty persists
Recent US Census data shows mixed house construction results. May had 1.277 million house starts, down 5.5% from April and the weakest pace since June 2020. In June, starts rose 3.0% from May to 1.353 million units.
Importantly, April and May revisions were 62,000 higher. The June regional analysis indicated 34% and 27% rises in the Northeast and Midwest, showing a varied recovery pattern.
Demand and pricing pressures
Wood product prices and industry morale reflect housing demand slowdown. The Random Lengths dealer poll found the lowest lumber and panel sales estimates since 2014. New house sales fell 11.3% in May and 16.5% year-over-year, highlighting market issues.
Coming rate cuts
Market expectations are shaped by the economy, particularly Fed policy expectations. Bond markets are hopeful about rate cuts this year due to slowing inflation.
Chairman Powell was ambivalent about reduction timing in a July address. The market expects a rate cut in September due to moderate inflation, growing unemployment, and decreasing hiring. Although the Fed may be waiting too long to ease, such tweaks could ease construction activity, which has been impeded by the high-rate environment despite strong demographic tailwinds.
Lower rates should increase house demand. We now expect house development to climb 11% in 2025 as builders try to address the market undersupply.
Lumber market dynamics
Timber market consumption indications are uneven, with peak seasonal demand failing to tighten market conditions. Lumber futures prices fell due to industry pessimism, especially in southern yellow pine (SYP) markets. The industry is cautious, awaiting Federal Reserve policy changes and interest rate adjustments, despite limited supply chain interruptions.
Looking ahead
As the US housing market navigates these challenges, 2025 may see a development boom. Housing building will climb 11% in 2025, per our projection. This growth should reduce undersupply and boost market recovery.
The CDOT Began Building a Three-way Signal at US 24, Baylor Drive, and DePaul Avenue this Week
Original Source: CDOT begins construction of new three-way signal at intersection of US 24, Baylor Drive and DePaul Avenue this week
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and prime contractor Bixby Electric announced a three-way signal construction project at U.S. Highway 24 and Baylor Drive and DePaul Avenue in Buena Vista on Monday, Aug. 12.
Late October completion of the project may end town jokes about turning left in Buena Vista during summer tourism.
A data-driven project is under construction south of downtown.
CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan said recent studies show an increased volume of traffic on U.S. 24, especially around Baylor Drive, a residential area. Buena Vista is lively. Many pedestrians and cyclists cross the highway here. A new signalized crossroads will make this stretch of highway safer and more efficient for all types of travel and users.
Improvements to the project:
U.S. 24, DePaul Avenue, Baylor Drive three-way signal
Micro-surfacing (placing new asphalt over existing pavement) at each intersection approach
New turn lanes and multi-modal elements for walkers and bicycles
On the northwest and northeast corners of U.S. 24 and Baylor Drive, new sidewalks, ramps, and other ADA-compliant features will replace outdated ones.
Improved crosswalk safety
Reflective backplates for traffic signal heads, especially for night drivers and in bad weather.
Travel Effects
Working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Drivers will expect southbound right turn lane restrictions from U.S. 24 into DePaul Avenue and intermittent single-lane closures.
Weather and resource availability may influence schedules.
Visit www.COTrip.org for real-time information on this and other state projects.
Cadets Learn Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Nashville
Original Source: Cadets visit Nashville for engineering, construction, operations insight
Tourists visit Nashville from everywhere.
People come to watch sports, celebrate, or listen to country music.
Four Reserve Officers’ Training Corps engineering cadets are in Nashville to tour the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District and learn about its engineering, construction, and operations missions in the Cumberland River and Tennessee River basins and parts of seven states.
Four cadets, Leonardo Bustinza, Larkin Price, TyeQuez Wilkins, and David Roshu, visited the Nashville District as part of “The Cadet Troop Learning Training.” This countrywide training immerses trainees in a military or government unit. From July 22 to August 14, 2024, the cadets tour Kentucky Lock, Center Hill Dam, Barkley Dam, J. Percy Priest Lake, and Old Hickory Lake and study about Nashville District headquarters.
“We’re excited to show these four talented aspiring cadets our district’s mission,” said Nashville District commander Lt. Col. Robert Green. “The hope is through programs like this we can continue to recruit and assemble talented officers to continue to fulfill our mission and be a leading force for engineering efforts along the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers.”
This visit will show cadets what their U.S. Army careers may hold.
“I could definitely see myself working here, or at least with the Corps at some point,” said Army cadet TyeQuez Wilkins.
These excursions taught the cadets about Real Estate and Regulatory programs to understand how the Nashville District maintains navigation and commerce between the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers.
“I didn’t even know it got that complicated until I got here and I’m seeing some of the stuff they’re doing,” Wilkins added.
Cadets used to spend their entire visit at one project. The Command team planned to show this group both large project sites and minor locks and dams to illustrate LRN’s effect and give them a more complete understanding of the district.
The cadets will return to their institutions around the country with a better understanding of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District’s influence.
“I think this is the best branch,” Wilkins added. “No other branch will give you the experience we’re getting.”
Reasons Astragon Released a New Lite Version of Construction Simulator
Original Source: astragon Tell Us Why It’s Released a New Lite Edition of Construction Simulator® 4
It’s hard to imagine Construction Simulator® is on its fourth mobile game. It released in May with new settings, cars, gameplay, and more.
You can now download a free ‘Lite’ version to sample before you buy. It lets you try the experience and unlocks the rest for $5 with an IAP.
That activates the complete experience immediately after purchasing, so you don’t have to start over.
Why build another edition when 2 and 3 are so popular? Astragon PR Manager Maik Flade responds quickly.
“With Construction Simulator® 4, we aim to offer players new content in a fresh and unique location, enhancing the experience and meeting community expectations.”
Pinewood Bay—inspired by Canada—is that unique setting. It takes place on a large map, a series first, in three unique places.
The 80-plus vehicle lineup includes new ones. Every entry is completely licensed, and there are 30 more than before. Get behind the detailed cockpits of MAN, WIRTGEN GROUP, and Bomag construction machines.
Flade says Construction Simulator® 4 has more functionality than its predecessor.
The diversified fleet of vehicles is equipped to handle several building tasks.”
With co-operative multiplayer, you may complete all your construction tasks with a companion. Construction Simulator® 4 launches cooperative multiplayer gameplay for the first time in the mobile series, claims Flade.
Flade notes that the mobile version has many cool features: “In my opinion, the controls are one of the most important pillars of Construction Simulator ®.
“Combined with first-person mode, the controls can add realism and immersion.”
That includes “tilt controls or gamepad” support for non-touch users. Don’t worry if you’re new to mobile games or the series. A good tutorial teaches all construction missions.
Flade says “you will get access to dedicated tutorial missions for each and every machine type included in the game, which will teach you how a machine works step by step.”
Download Construction Simulator® 4 Lite from the App Store or Google Play to try it for free. If you enjoy what you see, you can upgrade for $5 to play the complete release without losing progress.
Summary of today’s construction news
In summary, with the US housing market navigating these complications, there is a chance that the building industry will be reinvigorated by 2025. According to our projection, the number of new homes built in 2025 will increase by 11%. It is anticipated that this expansion will solve the existing shortage and encourage a market rebound.
Meanwhile, according to Julie Constan, regional transportation director of CDOT, “recent studies have shown a growing amount of traffic on U.S. 24, especially along Baylor Drive, where there is a largely residential area.” It was concluded that the installation of a new signalized intersection will improve safety and traffic flow for all users interacting with the highway as well as for all types of transportation.
On the other hand, the cadets will shortly be returning to their various institutions around the nation after their stay here, having gained a better knowledge of the impact that the Nashville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can make.
Lastly, you may download Construction Simulator® 4 Lite from Google Play or the App Store to have a look at it for nothing. If you enjoy what you see, you can continue playing the entire release without losing any of your progress at any time by upgrading for just $5.
