Specialized Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction NAICS 237990

Jun 6, 2026 - Waterways Council Suggests New Strategy for River Construction Projects

• According to Engineering News-Record, the Waterways Council Inc. is urging the US Army Corps of Engineers and Congress to create an Inland Navigation Construction Organization to oversee lock, dam, and river infrastructure projects nationwide, arguing that a centralized approach would improve accountability, reduce costs, mitigate risks, and accelerate project delivery. For the heavy and civil engineering construction industry, the proposal could streamline planning, funding, resource allocation, and contractor coordination across major waterways projects, potentially reducing delays and cost overruns while creating a more predictable pipeline of work. The council cites a study by engineering firm HDR that found a national program would be more efficient than the Corps' current geographically segmented approach, and notes growing bipartisan support in Congress for evaluating the new organization.
• The US Department of Transportation has opened a $1.1 billion funding round through the Crossing Safety Program to improve safety at railroad grade crossings, according to Smart Cities Dive. Eligible projects include upgraded signs, signals, and protective devices; track relocations; and grade separations, such as bridges and tunnels. While railroad crossing accidents have fallen 81% since 1972, Federal Railroad Administration data show about 2,000 accidents each year since 2009, and pedestrian-related incidents are increasing. The FRA will fund up to 80% of project costs, with 3% reserved for planning and 20% dedicated to rural and tribal projects.

• According to FMI’s second-quarter 2026 North American Engineering and Construction Outlook, North American construction and engineering spending for conservation and development projects is expected to grow by 6% in 2026, reaching about $13 billion. Navigation and dredging projects will continue to dominate activity, accounting for more than 40% of the US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works (USACE) budget. Key investments include channel deepening, coastal restoration, and ongoing maintenance at major US ports, supported by Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund allocations. The proposed USACE Civil Works budget for fiscal 2026 is approximately $10.4 billion, reflecting continued congressional support for ports, waterways, and flood-control infrastructure. Demand for reliable port access and coastal resilience is being reinforced by reshoring, grid expansion, and data center growth, although project schedules may be affected by permitting, procurement, and delivery capacity constraints.
• US rail transit expansion has failed to keep pace with urban population growth, leaving the nation with more than 7% fewer metro rail miles per capita than in 1990, according to an Urban Institute report and Smart Cities Dive reporting. Despite $108 billion in federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, non-highway transit spending has remained flat since 2021, and no new federal transit agreements have been signed since 2025. Rising construction costs and a shift away from heavy rail toward lower-cost options such as bus rapid transit have further limited system expansion. For the engineering and infrastructure sectors, the slowdown signals fewer large-scale transit projects and reduced long-term planning opportunities. Analysts warn that continued delays and underinvestment could lead to fewer projects delivered on time and increased reliance on car-based transportation systems.