Construction
Quarterly Multifamily Construction: Rental vs. Sale
2024-11-27
According to a detailed analysis by NAHB of quarterly Census data, it has been observed that the count of multifamily, for-rent housing starts witnessed a significant decline during the third quarter of 2024. In this particular quarter, a total of 94,000 multifamily residences commenced construction. Out of this figure, 88,000 were specifically built for rent. This marks a nearly 14% decrease when compared to the third quarter of 2023.

Market Share Shifts and Historical Comparisons

The market share of rental units within multifamily construction starts took a dip and fell below 94% during the third quarter. This occurred as the built-for-sale, multifamily condo market witnessed a notable gain. It is interesting to note that the historical low market share of 47% for built-for-rent multifamily construction was set during the third quarter of 2005, a time when the condo building boom was in full swing. On the other hand, an average share of 80% was registered during the 1980 - 2002 period.

Multifamily Condo Unit Construction Starts

For the third quarter, there was a notable increase in multifamily condo unit construction starts. The count rose from 3,000 a year ago to 6,000. Although it still constitutes a relatively small market, this represents the highest quarterly count since mid-2022. This growth indicates a potential shift in the housing market dynamics.

Average and Median Square Footage of Multifamily Construction

An elevated rental share of multifamily construction is having an impact on the typical apartment size. According to the third quarter 2024 data, the average square footage of multifamily construction starts has seen a slight increase and now stands at 1,061 square feet. The median has also edged up to 1,013 square feet. These estimates are close to multidecade lows, suggesting that the current construction trends are resulting in smaller apartment sizes.
NCDOT Halts Most Construction During Thanksgiving Holiday Travel
2024-11-27
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is taking significant steps to ensure smooth holiday travel. With the holiday season approaching, they are suspending most construction activity along major highways to keep lanes open for commuters and travelers. This decision is aimed at minimizing disruptions and providing a safe journey for everyone.

Ensuring a Stress-Free Holiday Travel Experience with NCDOT

Suspension of Construction Activity

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has made the strategic decision to suspend most construction activities along major highways. This proactive measure is being implemented to keep lanes open and facilitate the smooth flow of traffic during the holiday period. By doing so, they are addressing the concerns of both local residents and out-of-town visitors who rely on these highways for their travel needs.

Work along interstates, U.S. routes, and key N.C. routes will be suspended through the evening of Monday, December 2. This suspension period allows for increased safety and reduces the likelihood of traffic congestion. It also gives drivers the peace of mind knowing that they can navigate the roads without encountering construction-related delays.

Closure of Interstate 40 Near the State Line

For drivers headed to or coming from Tennessee for the holiday, it is important to be aware that Interstate 40 is currently closed near the state line. This closure is a temporary measure due to ongoing maintenance or other operational reasons. Travelers are advised to plan their routes accordingly and allow for additional travel time to account for the detours or alternative routes.

The closure of Interstate 40 can have a significant impact on holiday travel, especially for those traveling between North Carolina and Tennessee. However, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is working closely with relevant authorities to provide timely updates and alternative routes to ensure that drivers can reach their destinations safely.

Latest Traffic Updates on DriveNC.gov

Before hitting the road, it is crucial to visit DriveNC.gov for the latest traffic updates. This online platform provides real-time information on road conditions, construction activities, and any other factors that may affect travel. By staying informed, drivers can make better decisions and avoid potential traffic delays or hazards.

The DriveNC.gov website is a valuable resource for both local residents and out-of-town visitors. It offers detailed maps, traffic cameras, and alerts to help drivers navigate the roads effectively. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, this website can help you plan your journey and make the most of your time on the road.

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IDOT Secures $31.6M for Research on Low-Carbon Construction Materials
2024-11-27
Illinois is making significant strides in the realm of sustainable construction. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has recently announced the receipt of a substantial $31.6 million in federal funds. This funding is set to be utilized in developing a program that aims to expand the usage of clean construction materials, thereby leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The award not only supports clean American manufacturing but also plays a crucial role in curbing pollution from the production of concrete, steel, asphalt, and other materials.

Illinois Leads the Way in Sustainable Construction with Federal Funding

Expanding Clean Construction Materials

The Illinois Department of Transportation's decision to receive this significant federal funding is a game-changer. It allows them to continue working closely with research partners and industry members. This collaborative effort will lead to the creation of new processes that can accurately quantify the emissions impacts of construction materials. By doing so, they can then deploy innovative low carbon materials on actual projects. This is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future.Moreover, the work will involve developing standard procedures for reporting on the carbon intensity of construction materials. Pilot projects will be initiated to test and validate these new sustainable materials. This will provide valuable insights for future considerations and help in shaping the construction industry's approach towards sustainability.

Monitoring Performance and Implementing Other Projects

As part of the grant, IDOT will be closely monitoring the performance of these sustainable construction efforts for safety and best practices over the next six years. This continuous monitoring will ensure that the projects are on track and delivering the expected results.In addition to this, the department is also implementing several other projects related to sustainable construction materials. One such project is the Federal Climate Challenge funding for a demonstration project using dolomite quarry byproducts in road construction. This showcases Illinois' commitment to exploring and implementing diverse sustainable solutions in construction.These initiatives by IDOT are not only beneficial for the environment but also hold the potential to create significant economic opportunities in exciting new areas. By reducing the environmental impact of construction and promoting the use of sustainable materials, Illinois is setting an example for other states to follow. It is a step towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
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