Solutions

When considering the elements necessary for successful infrastructure improvements, sustainability might not immediately come to mind. But our 183 South project team is proving that environmental preservation is an attainable and important goal—both for contractors and the communities they serve.

In March 2020, millions of U.S. workers were sent home to shelter in place to slow the transmission of COVID-19. Those who could work from home scrambled to set up impromptu home offices, manage remote network connections and learn to use video chat tools.

Our PennFIRST project team is honored to be part of the essential work that supports our clients and communities in response to COVID-19. With 350 incredible trade partners working around the clock, the PennFIRST team delivered 120 beds 15 months ahead of schedule. A huge congratulations and thank you to the many people who made this possible.

What’s the likelihood of a typical construction project that encounters over a month of weather days finishing on time? What about that same project finishing ahead of schedule?

If you were to pull up your work calendar right now, how many meetings would be scheduled over the next week? The next month? Have you ever found yourself stuck in a meeting, frustrated that nothing is being accomplished?

In the construction industry, we often mark the passage of time in milestones. Whether it’s a building topping out, becoming water-tight or securing permanent power, milestones are occasions that inspire reflection upon past successes and planning for the future.

When it comes to constructing buildings in tight, urban spaces and highways in heavily trafficked areas, it can be difficult to avoid impacting the ongoing activities of the general public surrounding the job site. With multiple truckloads transporting material as well as detours or lane closures affecting traffic flow, contractors face unique safety and logistics issues in urban construction zones.

When it comes to delivering projects worth millions of dollars or more, it seems like common sense to continuously seek more efficient and effective ways to build them. The principles of lean construction are intuitive, and many construction professionals recognize the risks of not taking organized, proven processes with them each time they embark on a new project.