Friday roundup: infrastructure, immigration, industry updates

MONDAY

In November 2021 the United States Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a US$1.2 trillion package of construction projects. By January this year $591 billion had been announced for more than 72,000 projects and awards in all 50 US states and territories.

Photo: Buckner HeavyLift

The bill was to cover more than 207,000 miles (335,000 km) of roadway repairs and improvements; plus 12,300 or more projects to build, repair or modernise bridges; more than 695 transportation projects; 1,060 upwards of port and waterway projects; 1,500-plus airport expansion and modernisation schemes; and upwards of 445 rail modernisation projects, including the delivery of the nation’s first high-speed rail systems, in addition to many other public works projects.

This annual US infrastructure job roundup includes projects by Buckner HeavyLift Cranes, Bay Crane, Engineered Rigging and Omega Morgan.

Read about the crane and transport industry progress on these projects.

WEDNESDAY

Immigration rule changes in both the UK and USA are rewriting the labour landscape for the crane, rigging and specialized transportation sectors.

In the UK, new Skilled Worker visa thresholds effectively shut out many construction trades, leaving a sector already short 250,000 workers facing added pressure. Across the Atlantic, stepped-up enforcement through ICE raids and I-9 audits has firms scrambling to strengthen compliance, treating immigration risk with the same rigor as jobsite safety.

Photo: AI-generated via ChatGPT

SC&RA CEO Joel Dandrea says adaptation is key: from apprenticeships and local training partnerships to proactive I-9 audits and legal readiness plans. Cross-border flexibility and industry advocacy will also play vital roles. “Construction is built on adaptation,” said Dandrea. Those who treat workforce planning with discipline will stay ahead of the next policy shift.

THURSDAY

You may have noticed Thursday’s CTB looked a bit different. On Thursday, our readers received a concise round-up of the most important global stories of the day, giving you a quick but comprehensive view of what’s happening across the industry. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.