| November 28, 2012 | News for contractors and the construction industry |
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- Contractors could see delay in startup of Plant Vogtle reactors
The two reactors under construction at Southern's Plant Vogtle in Georgia may need to delay their startup dates of November 2016 and November 2017 by about a year, contractors said. Southern, however, hasn't approved the changes and is in talks with the contractors. "They are working on a schedule that is a little behind the one we're working on," said Mark Williams, a spokesman for Southern's Georgia Power unit. Bloomberg
(11/27)      
| Infrastructure & Project Focus |  |  |
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- Coalition launches campaign to accelerate $2.7B Ky. bridge project
The Build Our New Bridge Now Coalition launched an ad campaign on Tuesday aimed at accelerating the replacement of the "functionally obsolete" Brent Spence Bridge that joins Ohio and Kentucky. The ads suggest using a public-private partnership to fund the $2.7 billion project, but Kentucky has opposed that idea because it involves bridge tolls. "The first issue we have to tackle is to put in place the legislation that will enable us to do this in an innovative fashion, which will save us millions and millions of dollars," said Libby Korosec, the coalition's spokeswoman. American City Business Journals/Cincinnati/CincyBizBlog
(11/27)
- New York DOT to consider Skyway replacement
The Skyway is an elevated concrete connector road in Buffalo, N.Y., that links the city's outer harbor with the downtown waterfront. A 2008 study by the state Department of Transportation suggested it would cost $117 million to extend the connector's life span for 50 years, compared with building a new "pedestrian-friendly bridge" at a cost of about $75 million. The NYDOT will conduct a " 'plausibility review’ to identify the critical issues associated with an undertaking of this complexity," said DOT Commissioner Joan McDonald. The Buffalo News (N.Y.)
(11/27)
- Video: A look inside Waller Creek Tunnel in Texas
This article provides a bit of an update on progress at the Waller Creek flood-control tunnel in Austin, Texas, where more than 3,200 square feet of rock has been excavated. Because of the chalk limestone that lies under the city, tunneling has been relatively easy, leading some to suggest also building a subway tunnel. KUT-FM (Austin, Texas)
(11/27)
| Economic Update | | |
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- Why are businesses pulling back on investment?
Businesses are holding back on long-term investment, but the reason is unclear. The "fiscal cliff" is a strong possibility, which is good news if true, Neil Irwin writes. "The executive who didn't buy that machine or truck in October 2012 might instead do so in January or February of 2013, creating a nice bounce for overall growth," Irwin notes. However, there is a possibility that businesses are holding back because of fundamental weakness in the economy. The Washington Post/Wonkblog
(11/27)
| Innovation & Green Building | | |
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- Borer components arrive for Indianapolis' Deep Rock tunnel
The first components of a 450-foot boring machine -- including a 20-foot-diameter diamond cutter head -- have arrived in Indianapolis. Once assembled, the borer will be used to dig an eight-mile sewer tunnel beneath the city. The $179 million tunnel will be part of a $1.6 billion improvement to the city's sewer system. Work on the Deep Rock Tunnel Connector is expected to be completed one year earlier than scheduled, according to officials. The Indianapolis Star (tiered subscription model)
(11/27)
- Work begins on "breathable" Tower at PNC Plaza in Pittsburgh
Construction has started on the 32-story Tower at PNC Plaza in Pittsburgh. Designed by Gensler, with help from Buro Happold and Paladino & Co, the building is designed to be one of the most eco-friendly skyscrapers in the world. Slated for completion in 2015, the structure will feature a double-skin facade with operable windows to bring in fresh air and push out hot air, and a roof that doubles as a solar collector to cool the building. Inhabitat
(11/26)
| Policy Watch | | |
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- Mica withdraws bid to remain chairman of House T&I Committee
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica, R-Fla., has dropped his attempt to remain chairman of the committee and has endorsed Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., for the chairmanship. "I want to urge your consideration of Mr. Bill Shuster to lead the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee," Mica wrote in a letter to House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. "Bill has served in two subcommittee leadership positions and he has both the experience and ability to assume this important position for our conference." The Hill/Transportation blog
(11/27)
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| Association News | | |
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Project Delivery Systems for Construction
Written by AGC contractor members and professional industry practitioners, the newly released Project Delivery Systems for Construction -- Third Edition publication provides detailed information on traditional and alternative project delivery systems. It includes chapters on Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Construction Management At-Risk, Construction Management Agency and Program Management. This book uses real-life examples from actual projects and comes complete with self-tests and case studies to emphasize points covered in the text. To order, visit the AGC Store or find it here.
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The latest news for your business
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