Transportation Construction Reaches Record Levels in 2006

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he total value of construction performed on transportation projects is expected to hit a record $106 billion in 2006, up from $92 billion in 2005, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.

The value of work on highways, bridges, airports and transit systems rose 15% in 2006, reaching its highest level in more than 20 years, said William Buechner, ARTBA vice president of economics and research in a statement on Tuesday.

Work on highways and bridges made up about $76.3 billion of 2006 transportation construction, a 16% increase compared with last year and the largest increase since 1984, ARTBA said.

While higher prices for construction materials contributed to the overall rise in the value of transportation-related construction, ARTBA said materials costs could decline in 2007, providing a boost for construction budgets.