The energy sector propelled construction activity in this year’s ENR MidAtlantic Top Starts list. The compilation, which ranks by total cost the largest regional projects on which substantial construction began in 2017, was boosted by seven energy-related projects. The largest project on the list—the $6-billion Shell ethylene cracker plant in Monaca, Pa.—is so large that the facility’s “early works project” was ranked No. 17 as a separate $200-million contract. A Trumbull Energy Services and Mascaro joint venture completed the early works, which included earthwork, road movement and a parking garage. Another team, led by general contractor Babcock & Wilcox, started the rest of the ethylene project in November.
The list’s seven energy projects are proof that the MidAtlantic is “one of the most active—if not the most active—regions in terms of power plant development and natural gas exploration and production in recent years,” says Kevin Needham, president of Kiewit Engineering Group Inc.