Despite elevated material prices, fuel costs and other headwinds, the U.S. bridge construction market is still reaping the windfall of the $1-trillion federal infrastructure act (IIJA), which will continue to support market growth over the next decade, according to an industry sector economist.
For highway construction in general, June fuel prices were up 111% from a year earlier, asphalt prices rose 77% and prestressed concrete beams were up 55%, said Alison Premo Black, chief economist for the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, addressing attendees of the International Bridge Conference, held July 18-20 in Pittsburgh.