Category: safety

Pennsylvania Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending September 12, 2025

This week we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the bravery of the first responders and everyday heroes who answered the call that day. May we never forget their sacrifice, and may we continue to stand united in their memory.

Here are the top construction stories from Pennsylvania this week:

SEPTA Avoids Cuts by Tapping into Reserves & Enacting Fare Increases: The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is using $394 million in state-provided capital project reserves to restore transit services that had recently been cut to address a roughly $200 million deficit. The agency also approved a 21.5% fare increase, which is expected to generate about $31 million more annually. READ MORE.

Solar For Schools – Potential?: Despite reports on all this savings potential for going solar, only two schools in the Philadelphia school district currently have solar systems. The state’s Solar for Schools Grant Program has funded over two dozen school solar projects elsewhere in the region. READ MORE.

Harrisburg Revival Plans: Local planning experts are calling for renewed momentum in downtown Harrisburg development. A recent reflection points out a drop in large-scale projects since 2008, and challenges (funding, vision, parking) that have discouraged developers. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Weekly Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending September 5, 2025

Here are the top construction stories in Pennsylvania this week:

Penn State Construction Update: Multiple transformative construction projects are ongoing at Penn State’s University Park campus, as reported by Centre Daily Times. Notable projects include the $700 million Beaver Stadium renovation, the recently completed Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building, and the $115 million Osmond North Building, set for completion in January 2027. Additionally, a ground lease was approved for a rehabilitation hospital at Innovation Park, though rezoning issues remain. These projects are redefining the campus and student experience in Centre County. READ MORE.

Yazoo Mills To Build 3rd Plant in York: Yazoo Mills, North America’s largest independent manufacturer of paper tubes and cores—is expanding in Hanover (York County) with a new 107,000-square-foot facility. The $14 million investment includes five high-speed production lines and is expected to be completed by January 2026, boosting capacity and operational efficiency. READ MORE.

PA Turnpike Installs Solar Microgrid, Aiming to Be First Sustainable Superhighway by 2040: The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has begun constructing a solar microgrid to power its Western Regional Office (Troop T barrack) in New Stanton, Westmoreland County. The initiative began on September 3, and reflects the Commission’s push for sustainable infrastructure improvements. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Mike Sheehan Recognized as KCA’s 2025 Top Young Leader

The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) has named, Mike Sheehan at Penn Installations as a recipient of the 2025 KCA Top Young Leader Award—an honor given annually to recognize emerging leaders who are making a significant impact in the construction industry, KCA started this award in 2018.  

Known for his leadership on key projects and passion for innovation, Sheehan has played a crucial role in driving success at Penn Installations and across the broader construction community. He is active in promoting industry safety, workforce development, and professional mentorship. He also volunteers as a firefighter for the Dauntless Fire Company in Ebensburg, PA in Cambria County.  

“This award highlights the incredible contributions of young professionals who are shaping the future of construction in Pennsylvania,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of KCA. “Mike Sheehan has gone above and beyond—not just on the job site, but in building a stronger, more resilient industry and he does the same in his community.” 

The award was formally presented during the 2025 Construction Celebration held on June 9th, where colleagues and peers from across Pennsylvania’s construction industry gathered to recognize this year’s top achievers. Click to view the event video recap. 

Media Contact: 
Jon O’Brien 
Executive Director 
Keystone Contractors Association 
(717) 731-6272 
jobrien@keystonecontractors.com 

Pennsylvania Weekly Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending August 29, 2025

On Labor Day, we celebrate every worker whose skill, commitment, and perseverance help build the America we’re proud to call home. Happy Labor Day!

On this year’s Labor Day, we celebrate every worker whose skill, commitment, and perseverance help build the America we’re proud to call home.

Here are the top construction stories in Pennsylvania this week:

Restoring An Icon: Fallingwater Renovation Underway: A $7 million restoration project is underway at Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Fallingwater estate in the Laurel Highlands. The two-year effort—set to wrap up by spring 2026—aims to eliminate chronic water infiltration by replacing roofs, repairing steel frames, injecting nearly 12 tons of grout into stone masonry, and restoring exterior walls. The work must uphold UNESCO and National Register standards, making execution especially complex. READ MORE.

$1.6 B Montgomery Lock & Dam Modernization: In Monaca, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun a $1.59 billion rehabilitation of the Montgomery Lock and Dam on the Ohio River. The project includes demolishing the auxiliary lock chamber and building a new, larger 110-ft × 600-ft primary lock. Completion is targeted for 2033, and work remains in early stages. READ MORE.

Fast-Tracking Renewable Energy Permits Ahead of Federal Deadline: Pennsylvania is accelerating wind and solar project approvals to qualify for expiring federal tax credits before July 2026, amid President Trump’s phase-out policy. Gov. Josh Shapiro is advocating for a state energy siting board to streamline permitting, similar to Michigan’s 2023 law, to cut bureaucratic delays and boost construction starts. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Weekly Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending August 22, 2025

Here are the top construction stories for Pennsylvania this week:

Golf course sold for a data center: The Dauphin Highlands Golf Course in Harrisburg has been sold for $45.6 million despite $13 million in debt. The site is set for redevelopment into a data center, promising considerable tax revenue. The deal is expected to close by December 31, 2027, pending final conditions. READ MORE.

Detentions of construction workers by ICE: At least 25 migrant construction workers were detained while heading to work in Pennsylvania. Some were sent to a processing center in Moshannon Valley. The incident has drawn condemnation from immigrant rights groups. READ MORE.

Buildsylvania’s AI-Driven Construction Boom: Pennsylvania is experiencing a massive construction surge fueled by AI and energy demands, with $92 billion in private sector investments announced by U.S. Senator Dave McCormick. Projects include grid upgrades and dam refurbishments to support AI infrastructure, described as a “trillion-dollar, multi-front construction project” unprecedented in scale since the Industrial Revolution. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Keystone Contractors Association Names Steven Fitzpatrick as 2025 Labor Champion 

Fitzpatrick honored as this year’s Thomas George Memorial Community Service Awardee for his exceptional dedication to workforce development & community impact

[Harrisburg, PA] — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is proud to announce that Steven Fitzpatrick has been named the recipient of the 2025 Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award, an annual honor recognizing outstanding service and leadership in Pennsylvania’s construction industry. 

Fitzpatrick, a respected labor advocate and industry leader working as a Superintendent for Rocky Bleier Construction Group as a member of Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 431, was named this year’s Construction Labor Champion for his relentless efforts to improve working conditions, strengthen labor-management partnerships, and champion community engagement across the region. 

“Steven Fitzpatrick embodies the spirit of this award—service, leadership, and integrity,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “His commitment to advancing the construction workforce while giving back to the community makes him a true labor champion and a worthy recipient of this year’s honor.” 

About the Thomas George Memorial Community Service Award 

Established in memory of longtime KCA Executive Director Thomas George, the award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional service to their community and the construction industry. Winners reflect George’s lifelong values: collaboration, respect, and a passion for elevating both labor and management in construction. 

Fitzpatrick was selected through a nomination process involving peers and industry stakeholders, who cited his leadership in labor advocacy, safety initiatives, and community-building efforts as among the best in the industry. 

When accepting this award, Fitzpatrick was quick to highlight many of the great organizations he supports like the Harrisburg PTSD Run for Veterans, Fort Indiantown Gap Wreaths Across America and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Fitzpatrick was formally honored at the 2025 Construction Celebration, where industry leaders will celebrate his achievements and ongoing commitment to excellence. Click here to view video highlights: 2025 Construction Celebration Recap.

Keystone Contractors Association Recognizes Excellence in Jobsite Safety with Annual Safety Awards 

[Harrisburg, PA] — The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) continues its tradition of promoting workplace safety and health through its annual KCA Safety Awards Program—an initiative that honors construction firms throughout Pennsylvania for outstanding safety performance and commitment to protecting their workforce. 

The KCA Safety Awards highlight general contractors, subcontractors, and specialty contractors who demonstrate exceptional safety records, industry leadership, and innovative safety practices. Participating firms submit detailed safety data—including total hours worked, OSHA recordable incidents, and lost-time injuries—which are analyzed and compared to national safety benchmarks. 

“Safety is the cornerstone of everything we do in the construction industry,” said Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of KCA. “These awards are about more than just numbers—they reflect the daily commitment our members make to ensure every worker returns home safe.” 

Each year, winners are honored during the Construction Celebration, a special event hosted by KCA in Harrisburg that’s promoted across industry publications and media platforms. In addition to recognizing company-level achievements, the program helps elevate safety awareness and best practices across the state’s construction sector. Highlights from this year’s event: 2025 Construction Celebration Recap. 

The KCA Safety Awards are open to all association members, and data is submitted confidentially for evaluation. The program aligns with KCA’s broader mission to improve industry standards, foster collaboration among contractors, and promote workforce development throughout Pennsylvania. 

KCA Safety Award Winners in Honored in 2025: 

General Contractor: Safest Record with ZERO injuries over 100k hours 

  • Quandel Construction Group, LLC 
  • NOTE: This category winner receives the HB Alexander Trophy, named after a founding father of the KCA who was renowned for safety leadership.  

Subcontractor: Safest Record over 100k hours 

  • Novingers, Inc. 

General Contractor: Safest Record with ZERO injuries between 50k & 100k hours 

  • Serviam Construction, LLC 

Subcontractor: Safest Record between 50k &100k hours 

  • Penn Installations, Inc. 

General Contractor: Safest Record with ZERO injuries under 50k hours 

  • Bill Anskis Company, LLC 

Subcontractor: Safest Record with ZERO injuries under 50k hours 

  • Ralph E. Jones, Inc. 

Most Improved Safety Record 

  • McClure Company 

About the KCA: The Keystone Contractors Association is a commercial construction trade association that provides services in areas such as safety, education, career development, labor relations, community service and government relations. For more information, interview requests or photographs, please contact the KCA: 717-731-6272 \ Jon@KeystoneContractors.com.

Pennsylvania Weekly Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending August 15, 2025

Here are the top construction stories in Pennsylvania this week:

  • U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works Explosion: A tragic explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works near Pittsburgh on August 11, 2025, resulted in two fatalities and at least 10 injuries. The incident caused significant damage to the facility, with emergency crews continuing search and rescue operations for a missing worker. The cause of the explosions remains under investigation, and the event has raised concerns about safety and environmental issues at the plant, which has a history of accidents and pollution-related lawsuits. READ MORE.
  • Penn Hills AML Reclamation Project Success: The Penn Hills AML Reclamation Project in Allegheny County was highlighted this week for successfully addressing long-standing issues from abandoned coal mines, such as flooded basements and dangerous mine discharge. Completed by August 12, 2025, this award-winning project has eliminated these hazards, improving living conditions for residents. WATCH VIDEO.
  • State Budget Update Featuring Infrastructure Money: The Pennsylvania House approved legislation that includes $292 million in additional funding for SEPTA, aiming to forestall service cuts that could have slashed up to 50% of transit operations statewide. Furthermore, the bill proposes $325 million in highway funding and $275 million for rural roads, which would sustain and potentially expand crucial infrastructure construction initiatives. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Weekly Construction Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending August 8, 2025

Here are the top construction stories in Pennsylvania this week:

Pennsylvania is BOOMING: Pennsylvania’s construction sector is active, with $34 billion contributed to the state’s GDP in 2024 and 31,000 construction establishments. Projects like those in Pittsburgh and statewide infrastructure improvements (e.g., PennDOT’s 684 bridge projects in 2023) indicate robust activity. READ MORE.

Major Work on I-95 In Philly: Overhead sign structure installation will close I-95 North at night August 11-14 in Center City, with ongoing inlet repairs weekdays August 1-29 on I-95 North near Academy Road in Northeast Philadelphia. This represents one of the most significant traffic-impacting construction projects currently underway in the state. READ MORE.

Windfarm Upgrades Help with AI Data Center Growth: Exus recently secured over $158 million to boost capacity at the Twin Ridges wind farm in Somerset County—raising its output by around 30% to 170 MW—and to upgrade the Patton wind farm in Cambria County. These enhancements aim to meet skyrocketing energy demands from AI data centers across the state. READ MORE.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed & Keep Building Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Construction Weekly Recap – Top Stories for Week Ending July 18, 2025

This week’s biggest construction news stories.

​Here are the top construction news ​stories across Pennsylvania ​for the week ending July 18, 2025:

  1. GE Vernova Invests $80 Million in Charleroi Facility Expansion
    GE Vernova is investing $80 million to expand its grid solutions factory in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, creating 250 new jobs. This investment aims to modernize the electric grid by increasing production of high-voltage switchgear products, essential for the U.S. power infrastructure. The expansion supports growing energy demands and reinforces Pennsylvania’s role in advancing national grid reliability.​ READ MORE
  2. P​ennDOT Highlights 57 New Transportation Projects in Pittsburgh Region
    The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced 57 new transportation improvement projects set to begin in 2025 in the Pittsburgh region, covering Allegheny, Beaver, and Lawrence counties. These projects will improve 551 miles of roadway and 43 bridges, aligning with Governor Shapiro’s vision for a safe and efficient transportation network. Motorists are urged to exercise caution in work zones.​ READ MORE
  3. $90+ Billion Investment Set to Boost PA Construction JobsCompanies like Blackstone, Google, Amazon, and CoreWeave have announced over $90 billion in AI and energy infrastructure investments across Pennsylvania. Thousands of construction jobs are expected as the state becomes a key hub for digital and energy innovation.​  READ MORE

Stay safe, stay informed, and keep building Pennsylvania strong.