Improving the country’s infrastructure has been making headlines this year, with a focus on the need for federal funding to support projects of national, state and local importance. The U.S. Senate approved a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill in early August, allocating billions of dollars for everything from ports and public transit to road safety and water systems. Although the legislation faces an uncertain future in the House, it’s likely that a version will pass by the end of this year.

Memorial Day is the “unofficial” start of summer – and the kickoff of the busy season when it comes to construction work. This time of year, construction productivity increases in cities and towns across the country, with crews taking advantage of warmer weather and more hours of daylight.