In today’s construction news, read about how in March 2025, single-family housing starts in the US housing market experienced a notable 14.2% decline, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 940,000 units. On the other hand, according to UDOT, 145 ongoing construction projects and 152 new ones totaling $1.68 billion will begin this year.
March Sees Steep Decline in US House Starts as Tariffs Hike Construction Prices
Original Source: March sees sharp drop in US housing starts as tariffs raise construction costs
The US saw a 14.2% dip in single-family housing starts in March 2025, hitting a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 940,000 units. This is the lowest position since July 2024. The drop is mostly due to import costs.
Builder confidence declines amid tariffs. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), builders are experiencing a $10,900 cost rise per home, outweighing the benefits of lower mortgage rates. Permits for future single-family dwelling construction decreased by 2.0%, reaching 978,000 units. Overall housing starts fell 11.4% to 1.324 million units.
Single-family housing in the US contracted significantly.
March 2025 had a 14.2% drop, resulting in a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 940,000 units. The housing sector is facing economic challenges, including rising material costs and trade policies, resulting in the lowest level since July 2024.
The drop is due to growing import tariff prices.
and overall builder sentiment drop. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports a USD 10,900 per home increase in construction expenses owing to tariffs. The increase in expenses has outweighed the benefits of lower mortgage rates, which could have mitigated the construction slowdown.
In March 2025, permits for future single-family dwelling building decreased by 2.0% to 978,000 units. This implies a cautious future for the sector as builders remain reluctant to launch new projects due to financial instability.
The broader housing sector did not escape the trend either, with total building starts declining by 11.4%, hitting a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 1.324 million units in March. While the decrease in single-family units is the most pronounced, the total shrinkage implies that the housing industry as a whole is facing substantial challenges.
However, despite the downturn, cautious optimism persists as mortgage rates continue to decrease. Tariffs still have major impacts on building materials including timber, steel, and aluminum.
Builders face challenges with rising material costs and shrinking inventory, making it uncertain how the market will recover.
Although borrowing rates have decreased, rising building material prices remain a significant challenge. Concerns about uncertain market circumstances have led builders to delay or reconsider new construction projects. The housing market prognosis is uncertain due to ongoing cost pressures and cautious builders’ approach to new developments.
Delhi Police plans to monitor under-construction buildings via drones.
detect structural flaws and avoid disasters. Using drone footage and AI, models will be developed for quick emergency reactions. This campaign follows a building collapse that killed 11 people, emphasizing the importance of proactive surveillance for construction safety.
UDOT Announces 2025 Construction
Original Source: UDOT announces new and ongoing 2025 construction
rom repaving highways to increasing transportation alternatives and enhancing pedestrian access, UDOT is beginning off a busy work season across Utah.
Today UDOT said 152 new construction projects costing $1.68 billion will commence this year, with another 145 continuing work.
Planned upgrades range from huge, brand-new infrastructure like new interchanges, bridges and roads to community-building measures like expanding transport routes and creating paths.
“Every day, Utahns are out driving to work, picking up kids, heading to the mountains or just getting where they need to go,” UDOT Deputy Director Lisa Wilson said. “Our job is to make those trips safe and smooth. These projects may cause short-term delays, but they will improve roads, reduce congestion, and make travel safer and more reliable.
Drivers should slow down and be safe in work zones as technicians upgrade the state’s transportation network.
Drivers should expect delays and traffic changes on these major projects this summer:
1800 North/I-15: Davis County, $385 million
A new interchange at 1800 North and I-15 in Clearfield will be built by this project. To accommodate present and future travel, 1800 North will be enlarged up to 2000 West, 500 West will have an overpass to cross the railroad, and other measures will provide space for a future Hill Air Force Base entrance gate. Beginning in March, work is slated to end in fall 2027.
Weber Canyon I-84 bridges: Morgan County, $52 million
West of the Weber Canyon rest area, UDOT will replace two I-84 bridges across the Weber River and Union Pacific Railroad. A new eastbound bridge will be built south of the existing bridges first. The new eastbound bridge will carry all traffic while the existing structures are demolished and the westbound bridge is built. It should take two years to finish the project.
Salt Lake County: I-215 from SR-201 to North Temple, $190 million
Crews will repave three miles of I-215 and 14 miles of SR-201, I-80, and California Avenue ramps. Repaving 22 bridges, installing a new drainage system, and preserving pavement for 15 years are also planned. This project is expected to start this summer and is anticipated to take two years to complete.
I-80 from SR-36 to SR-201 and Stansbury Parkway to I-80: Tooele County, $38.4 million
From SR-36 to the SR-201 on-ramp, UDOT will widen this growing route and add an extra lane on eastbound I-80. An additional northbound SR-36 lane from Stansbury Park to the I-80 eastbound on-ramp will be added. Work is ongoing and will continue through summer of 2026.
Geneva Road from University Parkway to 1800 South: Utah County – $34.4 million
Crews will extend the road to two lanes in each direction and build a center turn lane. This project will also add bike lanes, a 10-foot-wide shared-use walkway on the east side, and a sidewalk on the west side. Construction is planned to begin this summer and end in fall of 2026.
US-189 Wallsburg-Charleston: Wasatch County, $53.1 million
This Provo Canyon project will enlarge US-189 to two lanes in each direction, signalize the intersection of US-189 and SR-113, and improve the Island Beach Day Use Area entrance. Wildlife protection will be part of this initiative. Construction should start this summer and finish in late winter 2026.
US-6 from Chicken Hollow to Tie Fork: Utah County, $59.9 million
At the Sheep Creek crossing, crews will extend US-6 from two to four lanes with acceleration and deceleration lanes and a center median. Drainage will also be repaired to address recent difficulties. Construction should begin this fall and continue two years.
US-191, north of Summit: Duchesne County – $30.75 million
UDOT will add a two-mile-long passing lane and increase the number of shoulder and chain-up areas. Crews will also add a variety of safety measures, including drainage improvements and guardrail and fencing additions. Construction is scheduled to begin April 21 underway and expected to wrap by the end of next year.
I-15 from Kanarraville to South Cedar interchange: Iron County – $90.3 million
This project will establish a 13-mile-long northbound ascending lane on I-15 from the Kanarraville rest stop to the South Cedar intersection. Additionally, the project will extend I-15 to three northbound lanes, connecting in an existing three lane segment constructed in 2020. The project will also reconstruct the northbound side of the Hamilton Fork junction to improve clearance and create a roundabout on the east side of I-15, near to Exit 51. Construction is slated to begin in May and is projected to completion by December 2026.
Summer construction will continue on many important UDOT projects:
Weber County: 5600 South, Roy and Riverdale, $361 million
Phase three of the 5600 South Improved Mobility project begins this year. This covers I-15 middle and side construction and 5600 South reconstruction. Construction should last until summer 2026.
Bangerter Highway interchanges: Salt Lake County, $415.3 million
UDOT has been transforming intersections into interchanges on Bangerter Highway for over a decade to eliminate stoplights. UDOT is building new interchanges at 9800 South, 13400 South, 2700 West, and 4700 South, slated to finish this year.
Midvalley Express: Salt Lake County, $104.1 million
UDOT will build UTA’s third BRT route under UTA’s direction and funding. This new seven-mile route will connect UTA commuter rail and light rails with 15 stations. This all-electric line will have 1.4 miles of bus-only lanes and priority traffic signals to speed up public transit. Construction should finish in fall 2026.
Utah County: Mountain View Corridor, $466 million
Four miles of freeway are being built to connect Lehi’s 2100 North to Herriman’s Porter Rockwell Boulevard. This project comprises a new bridge at 2100 North and Redwood Road, wildlife fence, and a multi-use trail. Construction should finish in April 2026.
San Juan County: $152 million SR-162 and SR-262
State highways in San Juan County on the Energy Corridor are being paved to increase safety. Crews will build cattle guards, fiber-optic connections, and drainage systems this year. Construction should finish in April 2026.
UDOT warns drivers that weather can disrupt construction timetables. Visit the UDOT Traffic website or download the iPhone or Android app for the latest construction traffic restrictions. Drivers may follow UDOT on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Summary of today’s construction news
To make it simple, permits for the construction of new single-family homes decreased by 2.0% to 978,000 units. Additionally, the total number of housing starts fell by 11.4% to 1.324 million units.
On the other hand, to increase safety on state roadways in San Juan County along the Energy Corridor, crews are still paving. This year, workers will also install drainage systems, cattle gates, and fiber-optic cables. It is anticipated that construction will continue until the spring of 2026.
