Projects across ENR's 11-state Midwest region are being postponed or shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic with no real certainty in sight as to when they might continue. The wide-ranging secondary effects of the novel coronavirus and the shutdowns it caused include loss of sales tax and revenue for state incentives.
Exceptions for construction work are broadly defined in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin coronavirus orders, Michigan's is narrower
Construction in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin is seen as essential infrastructure, so work continues on most sites in those states. Minnesota, Kentucky, Missouri and Kansas's orders broadly exempt outdoor activities. Michigan's order includes public works construction as essential.
A natural gas pipeline exploded January 21 in Noble County, Ohio, injured two people, destroyed three nearby homes, damaged three others and caused the evacuation of other homes and businesses in the rural area. The pipeline was part of the Texas Eastern Transmission system built in 1952 and 1953 and owned since 2017 by Canadian energy transportation giant Enbridge.
ODOT’s largest project ever, and its first P3, are nearing completion as the state looks at a 35-year maintenance period for its P3 partner before the road is handed back.
As results from the region’s top specialty contractors began to roll in, it quickly became clear GEM Inc. deserved serious consideration as the ENR Midwest Specialty Contractor of the Year.