When it comes to critical issues, such as infrastructure spending and regulatory policy, construction-industry officials have a clear idea of what to expect if President Obama wins re-election. In short, they expect a second Obama administration would pursue the legislative and regulatory priorities it has followed since 2009.

This déjà vu picture has a second aspect: With Republicans predicted to keep control of the House and at least narrow Democrats' already thin Senate majority, the GOP again would be able to block new Obama bills. In other words, more gridlock may lie ahead.