Utility & Transportation Contractor April 2024

ferreira marks 35 years of growth

From the desk of: gerard burdi

While it has been a tenuous, rollercoaster ride over the past few months, I’m proud to say that the Legislature recently approved a bill to re-authorize the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund which finances transportation infrastructure projects throughout the state, including roads, bridges and transit systems. Without legislative action this funding would lapse in a few months, jeopardizing critical infrastructure projects.

The bill enacted adds a modest increase in gas taxes and imposes a surcharge on electric vehicles to support a 5-year capital program that allocates over $2 billion a year for transportation infrastructure. UTCA played an integral role in getting this bill passed with bi-partisan support and we are hopeful Governor Murphy will quickly sign it into law. This notice would not be complete without praising our own Dave Rible and Ryan Sharpe for their tireless effort, even up to the final minutes before the legislative floor votes! Thank you, Dave and Ryan.

In other legislative news, Governor Murphy recently announced his annual budget which includes a Corporate Transit Fee that would tax corporations making over $10 million a year to provide over $900 million a year for NJ Transit. In addition, the Legislature has been taking action to implement the Governor’s clean energy agenda, holding hearings on bills to ban the construction of fossil fuel plants and require New Jersey to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050 as well as advancing the so-called Green Amendment which could allow citizens to sue to block projects that violate their right to a clean environment.

sey. The UTCA Safety Committee has conducted winter safety training for more than 30 years and this year’s courses included Confined Space, Trenching and Excavation, OSHA Crane Regulations with Rigging & Signaling Certification, and Flagging. The Committee concluded this year’s training with a first-rate Annual Safety Conference on March 15th. The Annual Safety Conference was led by Committee Co-Chairperson Gregg Johanesson of Spiniello Companies, and featured Kina Hart as the Keynote speaker. Kina spoke about being aware of workplace safety and our vital personal responsibility for ensuring a safe environment. Her message resonates deeply, as it stems from a personal journey that redefined her life and the lives of those around her.

The other speakers included Chris Lalevee from Operating Engineers Local 825, who opened the event with a message about mental health, an informative OSHA panel discussion, and two presentations on new safety technology. Gregg Johannessen and the Heavy Highway Laborer’s SET Directors, Joe Scerbo (Laborers Local 472) and George Samuelsen (Laborers Local 172) introduced the UTCA-led Work Zone Accountability Campaign. The conference ended with 11 UTCA contractor members receiving UTCA Safety Awards. Many thanks to all that participated and a special thank you to Dan Neville who orchestrates all of the association safety events.

In good news for the industry, legislation requested by UTCA to ensure contractors are not prevented from utilizing Joint Ventures to bid on public works projects has been introduced by the Chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee. In addition, Congress has reached agreements to fund critical clean water projects that were jeopardized by partisan infighting over budgetary issues.

It is also important to note that, in addition to the Presidential and Congressional elections this year, the race for New Jersey Governor that will take place next year has already begun with multiple candidates jockeying for their party’s nomination. Whoever is successful next November will have a considerable impact on the infrastructure construction industry in New Jer-

The association staff continues to be diligent with our various public agencies in the hope of improving the way business is conducted as well as maximizing opportunities for our association members. George Lobman has been instrumental in these efforts with NJDOT, NJ Turnpke Authortiy and NJ Transit. George, we appreciate all your good work.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Ferriera Construction on 35 years in business. I recall from 30 years ago when a company, that not many people knew at the time, named Ferriera Trucking was low bidder on a soundwall project on Rt. 287, a project that is likely too small for them to go after today. Since that time, Nelson Ferreira, has become one of the most significant contractors in NJ. This is a great example of the American dream and I wish the Ferriera team many years of continued success.

Gerard L. Burdi

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three 401(k) plan mistakes that are putting your business at risk

by: Michael h. meyers, partner, mountain hill investment partners

Consistent saving is integral for your employees to give themselves freedom and control in their retirement years. With the right attention, maintenance, and education, a 401(k) can be a great tool to afford them that freedom. When neglected, however, employees can suffer from diminished returns and your business could be at risk. What I see far too often when engaging with new clients are 401(k) plans that have become an afterthought for management. These plans were initially set up with great intentions but over time, they lacked the guidance and advice from experts to keep them competitive. There are plenty of mistakes to be made along the way when offering a 401(k) plan to your employees; three stand out to me as critical and deserve your immediate attention.

Not Fully Understanding In-House Fiduciary Responsibilities:

ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) defines a fiduciary as a person involved with plan administration, management and control over investments, or a person who gives investment advice regarding plan assets. Essentially, if you’re responsible for some level of 401(k) plan management or oversight, you’re a fiduciary. This means you have a legal obligation to act in the best interest of the plan participants.

401(k) plan fiduciaries have important responsibilities and are subject to certain standards of conduct because they act on behalf of the participants in the plan. These responsibilities include:

* Acting solely in the interest of plan participants and their beneficiaries, with the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to them.

* Carrying out their duties with skill, prudence, and diligence.

* Following the plan documents.

* Diversifying plan investments.

* Paying only reasonable expenses of administering the plan and investing its assets.

* Avoiding conflicts of interest.

* Selecting investment providers, investment options and monitoring their performance.

Often, as plan sponsors develop a greater understanding of their fiduciary responsibility, many realize that they don’t have the expertise or time needed to maintain compliance with evolving Department of Labor (DOL) and ERISA regulations. This is the time to engage an external co-fiduciary advisor who can assist in your compliance with these responsibilities.

Failure to Benchmark Plan Fees:

One of the most critical 401(k) fiduciary responsibilities mentioned above is ensuring that plan fees are reasonable; this can be a daunting task though because fee structures can be confusing. Typically, 401(k) plans have three different expenses – payment for the investment options, to the recordkeeper, and to the advisor. Unfortunately, benchmarking these plan fees is made difficult given the numerous ways 401(k) providers can be compensated; some of these fees are paid directly by employers, some through plan assets (participant paid), while others are paid indirectly from plan investments in the form of revenue sharing.

Excessive 401(k) fees can mean severe consequences for you as a plan fiduciary, including personal liability. Smart businesses engage experts to benchmark their plan fees, swapping out expensive funds or switching to less expensive share classes when available, ensuring the plan is priced reasonably and remains ERISA compliant.

Hiring the “No Show” Advisor:

If you’re not being engaged by your advisor to review and make plan changes, when necessary, your business has risks. It’s critical to engage an advisor that is proactive in their role. Our job is to help ensure compliance with ERISA regulations, optimize participation and savings rates through education programs, reduce your fiduciary risk, and continually identify cost-saving opportunities. Advisors should be an asset to your business, not a source of risk; it's essential to recognize that not all are equally competent. The “no show” advisor opens your business and its executives to several risks including:

* Fiduciary Liability: If the advisor makes poor investment fund recommendations or fails to act in the best interests of plan participants, the company's fiduciaries (such as company executives or HR personnel responsible for the plan) could be personally liable for any losses incurred by plan participants. This could lead to legal action and financial penalties.

* Conflicts of Interest: Some advisors may have conflicts of interest that lead them to recommend investment options or services that benefit them more than plan participants. These conflicts can result in biased advice and may violate fiduciary duties.

* High Fees: Incompetent advisors may recommend investment options with high fees, eroding the retirement savings of plan participants. Excessive fees can also draw regulatory scrutiny.

* Underperformance: Poor engagement by the advisor can result in lower investment returns for plan participants. If employees' retirement savings do not grow as expected, they may become dissatisfied and the company's reputation as an employer may suffer.

* Inadequate Employee Education: If the advisor does not effectively educate plan participants about their investment options and retirement planning, employees may make uninformed decisions, leading to suboptimal outcomes.

These mistakes and risks can be mitigated by engaging experts who are proactive and have your business’s best interest in mind.

My firm is an advisor and co-fiduciary to corporate 401(K) plans in the construction industry. We work with many UTCA member firms to enhance their 401(k) offering and build education programs designed to engage employees and provide them with the knowledge to create posi-

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tive outcomes in their financial lives. We appreciate that each company is unique, and we take the time to understand how you operate before creating a customized plan that is suitable, low cost, high value, and ERISA compliant.

Is it time to put your 401(k) plan out to bid this year? If so, call me, Mike Meyers, at (732) 291-3338 for more information.

Mountain Hill Investment Partners is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. We have a clearing and custody relationship with Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE/SIPC.

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claims against licensed professionals: obtain an affidavit of merit or risk being left holding the bill

By: nicholas a. sullivan, esq.

The New Jersey Prompt Pay Act (“PPA”) requires a governmental entity to make timely payment under a contract when the prime contractor has performed its duties in accordance with the provisions of the contract. A prime contractor is defined as a person who contracts with the owner to improve real property. The PPA requires the owner to pay the amount due to the prime contractor not more than thirty calendar days after the billing date. The PPA defines “improve” to mean “to build, alter, report or demolish any structure upon, connected with, on or beneath the surface of any real property; to excavate, clear, grade, fill or landscape any real property; . . . to furnish construction related materials.” All of these understandings of the PPA were recently explored by the Appellate Division.

Recently, the Appellate Division affirmed the decision of the Superior Court, Law Division of Morris County determining whether an emergent contract to repair a municipal owned sewer pipe was subject to the PPA in an unpublished opinion, JoMed Contractor Corp. v. City of Linden, A-0408-22 (N.J. Sup. Ct. App. Div. Oct. 16, 2023). In Jo-Med Contractor Corp., the trial court in Union County found the City of Linden (the “City”) violated the PPA by failing to pay Jo-Med Contractor Corp. (“JoMed”) for work completed pursuant to an emergency contract for sewer repairs. The Appellate Division affirmed the decision of the trial court awarding Jo-Med damages, interest, fees and costs under the PPA.

In December 2019, the City became aware of the need for an emergency sewer repair on City property and requested a quote from Jo-Med. The requested work sought the repair of terra-cotta pipe, curb replacement, trench and road restoration, and asphalt replacement. The quote submitted by Jo-Med for the repairs requested by the City was for $25,000.00, with a disclaimer that the proposal was an estimate and did not include costs for increases in labor, materials, or unforeseen problems. Subsequently, when Jo-Med commenced the project, three feet of water covering the sewer main was discovered, which required pumping of the water and a delay in completing the work. After the work was completed, the City realized it had an additional blockage in the sewer line further away from the work performed by Jo-Med. JoMed submitted an itemized invoice for $119,970.95, which the City believed was excessive, but the City did not notify Jo-Med of any dispute with the invoice.

After the City did not remit payment, Jo-Med filed a complaint against the City in the Superior Court of New Jersey. After discovery was completed, Jo-Med moved for summary judgment arguing it was owed payment for the contract and additional work performed and the City never objected to such work or invoice under the PPA. The City argued the additional amount invoiced by Jo-Med was excessive and the repair work did not involve “improvement to real property” or a “structure” under the PPA. The Appellate Division affirmed the trial court’s findings that the PPA applied to the City’s work as the sewer system repairs were improvements to real property under the PPA. Further, the trial court found the dispositive issue was whether the sewer constituted real property, or alternatively, if it connected with, or beneath the surface of real property. The trial court found that a sewer system constituted real property because it was an integral part of the City’s wastewater disposal system and because, by its nature, the sewer system had multiple connections to real property. Finally, the trial court determined the City failed to timely object to Jo-Med’s invoice and to dispute the work performed. After reviewing the record of the trial court, the Appellate Division affirmed the trial court’s decision for substantially the same reasons.

A crucial takeaway for contractors from Jo-Med Contractor Corp. is that the PPA is designed to apply to all applicable improvements related to real property, including property underground. Further, unless a government entity timely objects to an invoice or the work completed, the contractor is required to receive payment under the PPA. By failing to timely object to the work performed, the City waived the ability to dispute the amount billed pursuant to the PPA. Importantly, the Appellate Division noted that the PPA does not contemplate, or have different requirements, for a situation where a public entity seeks contracts for emergent work to be completed. The PPA specifically provides for contracts entered by public entities and does not have an exception for emergent contracts.

Moving forward, it is critical for contractors to review timeframes for receiving payments from public entities, recognize that emergency contracts do not negate the PPA, familiarize the contractor’s employees with the type of work covered under the PPA, and to remain proactive in receiving payment under the PPA.

STAVOLA

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secure 2.0 act: deep dive into retirement savings enhancements

By: salvatore schibell, cpa, cfp, cgma, ms taxation, mba

The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 serves as pivotal legislation in the landscape of American retirement savings, significantly expanding the scope of the original SECURE Act of 2019. Enacted in late 2022 and embedded within the larger framework of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, this comprehensive law aims to reshape retirement planning with a phased implementation stretching from 2023 through 2027. The Act incorporates 92 provisions designed to incentivize employees to increase their retirement savings and encourage employers to broaden access to retirement plans.

Key Provisions and Their Implications

RMD Adjustments for Enhanced Flexibility:

The SECURE 2.0 Act updates some required minimum distribution (RMD) provisions. RMDs from a traditional IRA, SEP IRA, and SIMPLE IRA must begin on or before April 1 of the calendar year following the year an IRA owner turns 73. For individuals who turn 74 after 2032, RMDs must begin at age 75. The age was 72 for individuals turning 72 after 2019 and before 2023.

RMD rules apply to all employer-sponsored retirement plans, including profit-sharing plans, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans, traditional IRAs, and IRA-based plans such as SEPs, SARSEPs, and SIMPLE IRAs. Beginning in 2024, RMDs do not apply to Roth accounts.

Retirement plan account owners can delay taking their RMDs until the year they retire unless they're a 5% owner of the business sponsoring the plan.

If the RMD is not taken out by the deadline, the amount left undrawn incurs an excise tax. The SECURE 2.0 Act has lowered this tax from 50% to 25%. Additionally, rectifying the oversight within two years can decrease the tax rate to 10%.

Roth IRAs do not require withdrawals until after the owner's death. Designated Roth accounts in a 401(k) or 403(b) plan are subject to the RMD rules for 2022 and 2023. However, for 2024 and later years, RMDs are no longer required from designated Roth accounts. You must still take RMDs from designated Roth accounts for 2023, including those with a required beginning date of April 1, 2024.

For defined contribution plan participants, or IRA owners, who

die after December 31, 2019 (with a delayed effective date for certain collectively bargained plans), the SECURE Act requires the entire balance of the participant's account to be distributed within ten years. This 10-year rule has an exception for a surviving spouse, a child who has not reached the age of majority, a disabled or chronically ill person, or a person not more than ten years younger than the employee or IRA account owner. The 10-year rule applies regardless of whether the participant dies before, on, or after the required beginning date. The required beginning date is when an account owner must take their first RMD.

Easing the Penalty Landscape: The SECURE 2.0 Act mitigates the penalties for not meeting RMD deadlines by lowering the excise tax rate. This change provides relief for individuals who fail to withdraw their RMDs on time. Additionally, the Act simplifies the procedure for correcting certain IRA errors, making it easier to comply with regulations.

Strategic Adjustments to Roth IRAs and Employer Plans: A notable shift is seen in the treatment of Roth IRAs and designated Roth accounts within employer plans, where the latter are exempt from RMDs starting in 2024. This modification aligns with the broader intent of the Act to make retirement savings more versatile and accessible.

Enhancements and Introductions Aimed at Broadened Savings Opportunities: SECURE 2.0 has many provisions to help taxpayers save more money for retirement. Here are the provisions that became effective for taxable years or distributions made after December 31, 2023.

• Inflation-Indexed IRA Catch-Up Contributions: Beginning in 2024, the Act indexes IRA catch-up limits to inflation, acknowledging the need for increased saving thresholds as individuals approach retirement age.

• Encouraging Employer Contributions Against Student Loans: Effective 2024, SECURE 2.0 permits employers to match student loan repayments with contributions to retirement plans to assist younger employees burdened by student loans. This innovative provision helps build retirement savings even when loan repayments take precedence.

• Facilitating Emergency Withdrawals: Recognizing the unpredictability of financial needs, the Act allows for penalty-free

emergency withdrawals up to $1,000, with provisions for repayment within three years. This flexibility acknowledges the reality of immediate financial crises while preserving the integrity of retirement savings.

• 529 Plans and Roth IRA Rollovers: The Act breaks new ground by enabling tax—and penalty-free rollovers from 529 college savings plans to Roth IRAs under specific conditions. This provision represents a significant stride in offering flexibility and repurposing unused education funds for retirement savings. Beneficiaries of 529 college savings accounts can roll over up to $35,000 (lifetime limit) from any 529 account in their name to their Roth IRA. These rollovers are also subject to Roth IRA annual contribution limits, and the 529 account must have been open for over 15 years.

• Emergency Savings Accounts: SECURE 2.0 introduces the concept of emergency savings accounts linked to pension plans for non-highly compensated employees, encouraging the maintenance of liquid savings alongside long-term retirement funds. Contributions are treated as Roth and are prohibited once the account balance meets or exceeds $2,500 (indexed). Auto-enrollment and match are permitted, subject to conditions.

• Supporting Domestic Abuse Survivors: The Act enables survivors of domestic abuse to make penalty-free withdrawals, providing critical financial support in times of need. Plan participants who self-certify that they experienced domestic abuse can withdraw the lesser of $10,000, indexed for inflation, or 50 percent of their account. Additionally, a participant can repay the withdrawn money from the retirement plan over three years and will be refunded for income taxes on the repaid money.

• Streamlining Roth Distribution Rules: By eliminating predeath RMDs for Roth accounts in employer plans, SECURE 2.0 simplifies the approach to these accounts, enhancing their appeal as retirement savings vehicles.

• Redefining Catch-Up Contributions: The Act mandates that catch-up contributions be treated as Roth contributions, offering tax advantages and encouraging additional savings among older employees.

Comprehensive Impact and Professional Guidance: The SECURE 2.0 Act's myriad provisions collectively represent a transformative approach to retirement savings in the United States, aiming at a more inclusive, flexible, and supportive framework. With changes affecting everything from RMDs to innovative savings options, the Act is poised to impact individuals across various demographics.

Navigating the complexities of the SECURE 2.0 Act can be challenging. Salvatore Schibell, CPA, CFP®, CGMA, MS Taxation, MBA, from Lawson, Rescinio, Schibell & Associates, P.C., can help. As an experienced taxation and retirement planning professional, Schibell is equipped to help clients fully leverage the SECURE 2.0 Act's benefits. His strategic advice and tailored planning enable individuals and employers to optimize their retirement savings under the Act. He can be reached at 732-5397328 or salschibell@lrscpa.com.

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constructors for good government

2024 contributors

UTCA would like to thank all firms that have contributed to our Industry PAC for 2024

President’s Club

D’Annunzio & Sons

George Harms Construction

Northeast Remsco

Union Paving & Construction

Governor’s Level

Black Rock Enterprises

JRCRUZ Corp.

Montana Construction

Petillo LLC

Schifano Construction

Skoda Contracting

Ambassador Level

Leadership Level

Ralph Clayton & Sons

Kiely Civil

R.E. Pierson Construction

Traffic Lines Inc.

Platinum Level

Anselmi & DeCicco

Bayshore Recycling

Diaco Contracting

Haines & Kibblehouse Inc.

M.S.P. Construction Corp.

New Prince Concrete Construction

P.M. Construction

Pillari Brothers Construction

Pioneer Pipe Contractors

M.L. Ruberton Construction

Smith Sondy Asphalt Construction

Work Zone Contractors

Gold Level

C&H Agency

Eastern Landscape Contractors

Lehigh Utility Association

Mathis Construction

Metra Industries

Northwest Equipment

Penn Bower Inc.

Persistent Construction

Sa & Sons Construction

Silver Level

C. Abbonizio Contractors

JA Alexander

Atlantic Cordage

Bil Jim Construction

Brent Material

CATS Sweeping

CRS Contractors

Caterina Supply

Concrete Construction Corp.

Edward H. Cray

Flanagans Contracting

J.C. MacElroy Co.

Pro Tapping

Ritacco Construction

Rockborn Trucking & Excavation

SJA Construction

Scafar Contracting

V.A. Spatz & Sons

TKT Construction

Taylor Oil Company

Tobia & Lovelace

Trench Technologies

Zack Painting

If your firm is interested in donating to Constructors For Good Government, please visit www.utcanj.org and CLICK ON, Donate To Our PAC or contact Dave Rible at (732)292-4300 or dave@utcanj.org

transportation trust fund renewal, budget address highlight new legislative term

By: ryan sharpe, director of government affairs and communications

After a mostly quiet lame duck period, the Legislature has been very active in issues impacting the infrastructure industry, including approving the re-authorization of the state’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). In fact, legislation to reauthorize the TTF recently passed both the Senate and Assembly with bipartisan support and was signed into law.

Under A-4011/S-2931, New Jersey’s gas tax will increase by about 1.9 cents a year over the next five years. Additionally, the bill imposes a $250 registration fee on electric vehicles which increases by $10 a year. The revenue generated will support a TTF capital program of $2 billion a year and increase by 3% a year for the last three years of the program, for a total of $2.185 billion in 2029.

Renewing the TTF which funds critical infrastructure projects across the state has been one of our Association’s top priorities and UTCA has been engaging with lawmakers and provided testimony on the importance of ensuring this funding source is maintained at levels that meet the state’s transportation needs now and in the future.

Also of note to the industry, Governor Murphy delivered his annual Budget Address which included a proposal to raise taxes on certain high-income corporations with the revenue generated directed to NJ Transit. The proposed $56 billion budget calls for the establishment of a Corporate Transit Fee on corporations earning more than $10 million a year and is expected to generate nearly $900 million a year for the agency which is facing a $1 billion deficit. The spending plan also calls for $40 million in state matching funds for a federal program to modernize our energy grid.

The Legislature is now on its traditional “budget break” during which the respective Budget Committees in each house will consider the Governor’s budget proposal and adopt a bill to direct state spending for the upcoming year. The budget that is adopted could be identical to the plan proposed by Murphy or could include changes wanted by the Legislature. Either way, a budget must by adopted by June 30 under the state constitution.

In addition to addressing the TTF, the Legislature has also been active in the realm of clean energy. In March, the Senate Environment Committee approved legislation that would prohibit the construction of any new fossil-fuel power plants as well as a measure requiring the state to divest its pension investments in fossil fuel companies. The Committee also approved a measure

creating an Office of Clean Energy in the Board of Public Utilities.

Another notable development was the release of a study from the State Treasurer that claimed to show racial and gender disparities in state contracts, including construction contracts. With Governor Murphy and legislative leaders citing this study as need for reform, UTCA initiated meetings with decision makers in Trenton to educate them on the state construction contracting process and the challenges that prevent minority contractors from becoming qualified to bid on these projects.

UTCA offered to work with lawmakers to increase the participation of minority- and women-owned businesses in the industry but stressed our opposition to arbitrary quotas or proposals that add to the burden already facing contractors in a highly competitive climate.

UTCA also engaged with legislators on a recent court ruling that could have a major impact on Joint-Venture projects. In December, the New Jersey Superior Court affirmed a decision that a municipality acted properly when it rejected a bid from a joint venture, because it was not registered under the Public Works Contractor Registration Act (PWCRA) which is required to bid on public works projects.

Despite both companies being registered under the PWCRA, the Court found the joint venture, and not the individual companies, must be registered in order to bid on the contract. This ruling threatens to disadvantage many New Jersey contractors who often utilize joint ventures to bid on larger construction projects.

Joint ventures are often formed very near to bid submission deadlines; however, because obtaining a public works certificate can take several weeks or even months, these contractors would be prevented from using this type of partnership to bid on projects.

In light of this ruling, UTCA approached Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman Clinton Calabrese who agreed to sponsor legislation to clarify the statute to state that the PWCRA certificate is not required for a joint venture if both individual companies are properly registered.

In addition to working with our state legislators, UTCA has been actively engaging with our federal representatives as well. Staff recently met with the team at the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) in Washington where a number of critical federal issues affecting the industry were discussed, including “Buy America” requirements, OSHA regulations and the implementation of the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law.

Following the ARTBA meetings, UTCA met with members of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation who serve on the Transportation & Infrastructure and Ways & Means Committees where the need to continue investing in infrastructure was the main focus.

These meetings also provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of federal water funding endangered by the inability of Congress over the past year to reach a Budget agreement. As the Chair of the Clean Water Construction Coalition (CWCC), UTCA has been working with our federal partners to oppose cuts to clean water funding. In March a compromise was reached on the Appropriations bills that fund the State Clean Water and Drinking Water Revolving Funds and the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation grants.

Of course, any discussion of Congressional action must consider the politics that pervade any decisions—especially in an election year in which control of both the Democrat-controlled Senate and Republican House could flip to the other party. In addition, with Donald Trump heading toward a rematch with President Biden, the political ramifications of every move in Washington will be under a microscope.

Here in New Jersey, the US Senate election took center stage for the past few months with Governor Murphy’s wife, Tammy seeking the Democratic nomination to run for the seat currently held by Senator Bob Menedez who faces multiple federal indictments. While many thought the race would be a cakewalk for New Jersey’s First Lady, it turned into a dogfight, with Murphy eventually dropping out, leaving Congressman Andy Kim as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.

While the Senate race is the highest profile election in New Jersey this year, many are already looking ahead to next year in which the Governor’s Office will be up for grabs. As noted in previous articles, Senator Jon Bramnick, 2021 Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli and radio host Bill Spadea are considered the frontrunners for the GOP nomination. The race to succeed Phil Murphy has also attracted a crowded Democrat field with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka recently jumping into the fray with Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, former Senate President Steve Sweeney and a host of other politicians who are said to be considering a run.

We will be keeping a close eye on this fall’s elections as the race for the most powerful office in New Jersey unfolds. Of course, we will be also watching closely and engaging with current and future decision-makers as Congress and the Legislature considers legislation that could have a significant impact on our industry.

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Congratulations to Ferreira Construction ff FERGUSON Celebrating 35 years in construction

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Congratulations to: Ferreira Construction

Celebrating 35 Years In Construction

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All of us at EiC Group join in congratulating Nelson and everyone at Ferreira Construction on your first 35 years in business, and wishing you continued success in the future.

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ferreira marks 35 years of growth as it expands its footprint across the country

In 1988, Nelson Ferreira, inspired by his father’s career at Frapaul Construction, where Nelson worked as a laborer, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with just a single tandem dump truck and an unwavering work ethic, establishing Ferreira Trucking. By 1995, his business instinct drove him to recruit Tino Garcia, now a Senior Vice President, to assist in bidding the Burnt Mills Road bridge project in Somerset County, NJ. This project remains symbolic to Ferreira employees as the launch point of Ferreira Construction.

By the late 90s, under Nelson’s leadership, the “core four" emerged. This team included Tino Garcia, Nancy Vliet Cucco, and Brian Delpome who have been with the company for 29, 25, and 24 years respectively. Each brings a unique talent to the team, but the true benefit is when they collaborate seamlessly in propelling the company forward.

In addition to the executive team, Nelson recognizes Ferreira Construction’s continued success could not exist without all its employees. In his opinion, Ferreira’s greatest asset is its people whom he refers to as Team Blue and that includes its project management team, office support staff, and craft workers. One of Nelson’s proudest achievements is the longevity of many of his employees which he considers family. Many of Ferreira’s key employees have been with the firm for over 15 years. He always leads with a forward-thinking approach and spearheads initiatives to increase the company's horizon. The challenge to the rest of his employees is to follow his vision and make it a reality.

When reflecting on the journey of Ferreira Trucking to Ferreira Construction as it is today, Nelson says he always knew that he wanted to grow his company but admits that the Ferreira companies have surpassed what he envisioned 35 years ago. He credits the success and growth of his company by surrounding himself with the right people and the right talent. He has a knack for identifying people’s strengths and developing successful leaders. Nelson's mantra is to hire the best people you can, empower them, and stay out of their way. Nelson credits Ronald Reagan for that lesson learned.

Brian Delpome, Senior Vice President, reflects, “It has been an incredible journey watching what we have developed into. Nelson had this vision from day one and he never stopped making it a reality. We have some of the best employees who work tirelessly to keep Ferreira as one of the top companies in our industry. I feel extremely lucky to work with these people who have also become some of my closest friends!”

Ferreira performing wet utility work for the SoFi Stadium.

Ferreira working on the Pulaski Skyway Replacement Ramp Project.

When Nelson had the idea to grow the company footprint outside of New Jersey and New York, he knew he would need the support and buy-in from his executive team. His goal was to develop the company organically but under the direction of his trusted team. When he expanded into Florida in 2004, it was under Tino’s leadership. When the company expanded operations to California in 2013, Nancy took the lead in transitioning the new team working alongside Brandon Pensick, Senior Vice President of California, to learn the Ferreira ways. But none of this growth could have happened without Brian’s leadership in growing while stabilizing the core NJ business unit. Today, the company’s footprint has stretched to 12 states including Florida, New York, California, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Texas. Tino notes that sales have essentially doubled every year since the beginning and Ferreira has a backlog of about $1 billion, employs over 2,000 employees, and owns over 2,500 pieces of equipment.

In addition to Ferreira advancing its footprint, the company has broadened its portfolio of affiliates under the Ferreira Family of Companies including American Pile and Foundation, Vanguard Energy Partners, SM Electric, Ferreira Power West, Ferreira Power South, Ferreira UTEC, and most recently Richardson-Wayland-Ferreira in Virginia. The company has extended its services from heavy civil highway to include utility, power, transmission and distribution, marine construction, and renewable energy sectors. Most recently, Ferreira has added a new division and is focused on providing storm restoration services. This service has found the company on the ground working to get the power and lights back on following some of the most devastating national disasters that have occurred over the past few years across the United States. When Hurricane Idalia lashed the coast of Florida last year, Ferriera was there to restore power. When wildfires devastated California and tornadoes wreaked havoc in Oklahoma, Ferreira was there, too, helping provide residents with electricity to power their homes and businesses. It may be hard to imagine that a national company that is dispatched around the country during some of our most devastating natural disasters started as a small New Jersey trucking company with one dump truck delivering materials to heavy highway projects.

Tino Garcia, Senior Vice President, states “When other companies would hire market strategists, Nelson goes off instinct and trust. His vision and instinct are unmatched. It is something that I’ve never seen before. He can walk into any job or situation and instinctively know if it is going well or not. He can look at it without a cost report or any summary.”

In addition to Nelson's forward-thinking approach to targeting emerging markets, the company's dedication to its employees is still the primary goal. In alignment with that commitment, Ferreira has launched an in-house Learning and Development Program to foster employee growth, equipping them with the necessary tools for advancement. A cornerstone of Ferreira's

success lies in its dedication to nurturing the next generation. Ferreira currently has many second-generation employees, including Tino, Nancy, and Brian’s children. Nelson’s daughters Cristina and Alex are part of the company, and his son Nicholas is working hard to learn the ropes from his father and other company leaders.

Nancy Vliet Cucco, Senior Vice President, states, “As a company, Ferreira has always been committed to developing future generations. We have had great success with interns, and many have become full-time employees of Team Blue. We are a company that will always give our employees’ kids a chance knowing that it is an opportunity to not only teach about our industry but also life lessons. This aligns with our commitment to family first and building the future with pride.”

Above all, the most important value to Ferreira is its commitment to safety. The company employs over 25 safety personnel and it is their belief that safety is everyone’s responsibility, from Nelson Ferreira to every craft worker. The company cannot be successful unless every employee goes home to their families. This is rooted in their safety slogan 'Think Safety, Think Family'.

Despite undergoing exponential growth, it's evident that the individuals at Ferreira are determined not to become complacent. They plan to continue to look for avenues for growth inside New Jersey and throughout the country. As for the future of the lead-

Ferreira performing utility work for the New Terminal One at JFK Airport.

Ferreira performing work for PSEG at the Penns Neck Substation.

ership team, the leaders note that while they are committed to helping transition the next generation, they have no short-term plans to step back from this business or stop pushing Ferreira forward.

In sharing his thoughts, Nicholas Ferreira said, “I learned the Ferreira way of working from being around our successful tenured leaders from a young age. It is exciting to be involved in the spread of our culture to the new generation of leaders and business lines. Our people are what got us here and it's important we keep that focus to be successful for the next 35 years.”

Whether it be in clean energy, power restoration, or road construction, this much is clear: For 35 years, Ferreira has never stopped striving to achieve Nelson Ferreira’s vision of “finding modern and innovative possibilities to build the future with pride.” This commitment has allowed Ferreira to achieve incredible success and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Ferreira for the next three decades.

Ferreira is performing work for the NJDOT on Route 78 for the Rockfall Mitigation project.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VERY OWN, NELSON FERREIRA AND THE ENTIRE TEAM BLUE FOR 35 YEARS OF BUSINESS! LET'S ALL CONTINUE TO BUILD THE FUTURE WITH PRIDE!

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new york state expands prevailing wage requirements

By: jonathan landesman & aislinn sroczynsi

In August 2023, Governor Hochul signed the Roadway Excavation Quality Assurance Act into law, expanding New York’s prevailing wage law. The state now requires utility company contractors and subcontractors to pay prevailing wages when a permit is issued to excavate, open, or use a street—regardless of whether the project is private or public. The act became effective on September 15, 2023.

What do utility contractors need to know about the act?

The utilities covered by the act include electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, fuel, geothermal, and telephone/telegraph companies. A “covered excavation project” is a project where a state, county, or municipality has issued a permit “to use, excavate, or open a street.” This includes opening or closing a road, sidewalk, and curb cuts. Despite its name, the act is not limited to excavation projects. All the utility work in, on, or underneath a street is also covered, as well as the closing and patching of the street. Even a project that involves work entirely underneath the street is covered so long as a permit is required to access the street or the ground below it.

Work performed adjacent to the street for which a permit was issued may also be subject to the act if work in, on, or under the adjacent curb, sidewalk, shoulder area, or right of way requires a permit for the excavation, opening, or use of the street. However, work performed on private property past the curb or right of way is not subject to the act.

Open-ended or long-term contracts for covered excavation projects will only take precedence if they were entered into before September 15, 2023, and any specific project under that contract is already underway or a permit was already obtained or applied. Any new project or location under a contract that requires a new permit, applied for on or after September 15, 2023, is subject to the act.

In addition to utility contractors and subcontractors paying prevailing wage for covered excavation projects, contractors are also required to keep original payrolls or transcripts “setting forth the names and addresses and showing for each workman, laborer, or mechanic the hours and days worked, the occupations worked, the hourly wage rates paid, and the supplements paid or provided.”

To ensure compliance with the act, no permit may be issued for a covered excavation project until an agreement confirming the payment of wages as required by the Act has been contractually mandated and filed with the department of the jurisdiction (meaning the jurisdictional entity charged with issuing the permit).

Conclusion

This new law is part of a trend that we are seeing not only in New York but across the country, where federal, state, and municipal entities are

trying to expand the reach of prevailing wage requirements. While parts of the act are crystal clear, others are left ambiguous. To the extent that you have questions or need guidance on this law or any other laws related to prevailing wage compliance issues, do not hesitate to reach out to Jonathan Landesman (jlandesman@cohenseglias.com) or Aislinn Sroczynski (asroczynski@cohenseglias.com) of Cohen Seglias.

About the Authors . . .As chair of Cohen Seglias’ Labor & Employment Group, Jonathan Landesman understands the high stakes associated with employment litigation and labor relations and counsels his clients on proactive and preventative strategies to ensure the long-term health of their business. When litigation is necessary, he aggressively defends his clients to protect their interests. Jon can be reached at jlandesman@cohenseglias. com and 267.238.4726.

Aislinn Sroczynski is an associate in Cohen Seglias’ Labor & Employment Group. She counsels clients on issues including sick leave, overtime pay, harassment, and workplace policies. When disputes arise, she litigates claims involving retaliation, wage and hour, wrongful termination, and other employment issues. Aislinn can be reached at asroczynski@cohenseglias. com and 267.238.4757.

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Celebrating 35 Years in Construction

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white cap is a one - stop shop for road & bridge contractors

By: trace Conger

Road & Bridge projects have been on the rise across New York and New Jersey for the past few years, and there are no signs these projects are slowing down. Many of the projects that have been in the works for some time are just now getting underway.

Large infrastructure projects can present significant challenges for contractors. They’re massive endeavors requiring a wide range of products, expertise, and coordination. Since these projects can have tight timelines, workers are often on-site at night and in all sorts of weather conditions. These projects also present various environmental considerations, including stormwater pollution prevention, erosion control, and more.

White Cap is a reliable one-stop shop for contractors to get everything they need for these vital projects in one place. The company offers a broad range of specialty products, valuable time-saving services, and knowledgeable associates that can help contractors complete their Road & Bridge projects on time, on budget and as safely as possible.

Jobsite Essentials & Specialty Products

Pro contractors need access to specialized products for new bridge construction, roadway and paving, and restoration and repair projects. With our broad product portfolio, including 200,000 products, contractors can always get the jobsite essentials and hard-to-find items they need to get the job done. From concrete forming and erosion control to tools, rebar, scaffolding, and safety supplies, we’ve got the products to complete your next Road & Bridge project and keep you safe and OSHA compliant. White Cap offers high-quality products from the industry’s leading manufacturers, including Dayton, Meadow Burke, Sika, Mirafi, MKB, PSI, W. R. Meadows, CTS Rapid Set, Quikrete, among others.

Since White Cap has 60 conveniently located branches throughout the northeast region (470 total across the U.S. and Canada), we make it easy to get the products you need to keep building.

Due to global supply chain issues, many contractors are concerned about product availability. White Cap works with multiple suppliers for many products to reduce the risk of product shortages or disruptions. And because of our extensive branch network, if a local branch is out of a particular product, we can source it from one of our other nearby branches.

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Rebar is the backbone of many Road & Bridge projects, and White Cap stocks a large inventory of rebar in standard sizes and configurations. We stock 20-foot and 40-foot lengths, standard-size rings and stirrups for pier cages, GR A706 weldable bars, and more. Our rebar grades are available in varying yield strengths, bend test requirements, and compositions.

We have more than 30 custom rebar fabrication facilities across the country for contractors who need custom rebar. Our facilities offer precise state-of-the-art spool-fed rebar fabrication machines that can knock out large custom rebar orders fast, minimizing waste and saving contractors time and money. From straight bar to custom-welded rebar cages to meet your plan’s specs, we can get contractors precisely what they need for their project.

In the northeast, HARMAC, a White Cap company, provides full-service rebar fabrication services. HARMAC fabricates rebar for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects, as well as complex precast and tilt-up applications. The company’s knowledgeable team of project coordinators can help with all project take-offs, submittals, and shop drawings, so contractors can get the rebar they need quickly.

Innovative Forming Systems

Road & Bridge work and forming systems go hand in hand. White Cap offers highly engineered and flexible forming systems that reduce labor and time. One example is the Harris 1500 system. This system comes in 20 different sizes and can be combined vertically or horizontally to create almost any dimension. The systems’ panels, clamps, and ties are designed to withstand concrete placement pressure of up to 1,500 pounds per square foot.

accommodate exact measurements. The panels are light enough to be set by hand, and once they are clamped together in place, they can transition from a handset to a gang form with no additional hardware.

White Cap rents forming systems, tilt-up braces, and other specialized equipment, offering contractors more flexibility and access to the latest equipment without the maintenance or high purchasing costs. Our professional and experienced engineers provide project take-off and engineering services, helping contractors calculate everything they need, including products, materials, and engineering costs, to complete their Road & Bridge projects.

Engineered Materials and Geosynthetics

Erosion control is an integral part of many Road & Bridge projects. If not managed correctly, erosion can cause serious damage to the environment and surrounding property. White Cap offers a range of engineered materials for erosion, grading, and landscaping. From erosion control blankets and silt fences to dewatering bags, inlet protection, and turf reinforcement mats, we provide contractors with everything they need to stabilize different types of slopes, manage stormwater runoff, and control erosion across their Road & Bridge jobsite.

Since the forming system is based on imperial measurements, contractors can save time, money, and lumber, compared to metric-based forming systems, which can require more lumber to

We also stock a full line of geosynthetics that can improve the performance and durability of structures, foundations, and roads. From woven and non-woven materials to geocomposites and geogrids, geosynthetics can reduce environmental impact, enhance aesthetics, and reduce material and labor costs.

Services that Enhance Efficiency, Productivity, and Safety

In addition to products, pro contractors need access to services that make their jobsite more efficient, more productive, and safer. White Cap offers a range of services designed to make Road & Bridge construction easier.

White Cap provides same-day and next-day delivery with capable vehicles and trained drivers who know how to navigate busy jobsites. With our two-hour will call service, contractors can call in their order at a local branch, and we’ll have it ready for pick up in two hours. It’s quick, convenient, and gets them back to the jobsite fast.

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Developing a comprehensive safety program is more complicated than ever before. Keeping up with OSHA regulations, new high-performance equipment safety, and constantly evolving applications is no small challenge. Our highly-experienced Product Sales Specialists are on top of every new wrinkle in regulations, and they’re constantly training on new tools, equipment, and applications to be expert advisors on all issues related to safety on the jobsite. They can help contractors with everything from selecting equipment to training crews on how to use it.

White Cap offers a variety of safety training and services, including fall protection awareness, fall protection equipment inspections, heat stress/hydration awareness, rescue awareness, power tool safety, PPE awareness, and more.

have impacted a product’s availability, our associates are on the phone with manufacturers and vendors to find a workaround. They can also recommend an alternate product that is more readily available and meets the spec. Whatever the challenge, our knowledgeable associates are prepared to help.

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Knowledgeable Associates with Product and Technical Expertise

Pro contractors don’t simply need a salesperson. They need access to knowledgeable associates who can help them find the right products and use those products in the most effective way.

White Cap has more than 9,000 associates who are dedicated to contractors’ success. Our associates have an average of 12 years of experience in the construction industry, so they’re a reliable resource for product and technical advice. They know how Road & Bridge jobsites operate because they’ve worked them. They also know how important it is to get products on time, so they go above and beyond to get orders to the jobsite quickly.

Our associates are ready to offer alternatives if certain products are delayed or unavailable. If global supply chain disruptions

White Cap understands that winning highly competitive jobs can be difficult, which is why our Road & Bridge experts are always ready to lend a hand. Our experts sit down with contractors to review plans and designs and help them with the bidding and procurement process. Our local DOT specialists can streamline procurement and help contractors secure materials and approved products.

As a Sourcewell trusted partner for 40 years, we help contractors access thousands of quality construction projects, offer pre-solicited, competitively awarded pricing, and comply with procurement regulations.

Our local DOT specialists can help secure the best material for each Road & Bridge application and provide contractors with the approved products and services on the Qualified or Approved Product Lists.

A True One-Stop Shop for Road & Bridge

White Cap is your trusted partner for Road & Bridge projects. We have the products, services, and expertise to help you complete your Road & Bridge projects on time, on budget, and as safely as possible.

Contact your local branch to find out how we can help, or browse our E-Catalogs, including our Road & Bridge catalog and Road & Bridge line card, for more information.

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Financial Literacy & Awareness for Employees

By: Karen Walsh, Sr. Account Executive – Employee Benefits, IOA

With financial stress taking a toll on today’s workforce, employee financial wellness is a topic that companies are now forced to address. Just as employees are more productive and happier when they are physically well, they will also be less stressed and more focused when they are financially well.

April is National Financial Literacy Month. I thought I would use this as an opportunity to focus on ways employers can help to expand and improve employees’ financial awareness. Financial Literacy is a topic often overlooked in school, oversaturated in bookstores and in blogs, and can be overwhelming for those looking to educate themselves. With no proper financial education or a clear path to follow, those with low financial literacy may not be equipped to make informed decisions related to their personal finances like saving, investing, credit, debt, and more. Unfortunately, too many Americans fall into this worrisome category.

Why should employers want to improve their employees’ financial literacy?

With young employees coming out of college with overwhelming student debt, as well as the current state of the economy, financial stress is at an all-time high. That stress can easily spiral into depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and even full-blown panic attacks. In turn, this can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and can fuel high employee turnover.

Employers can make an enormous impact by incorporating financial wellness programs into their existing benefit portfolio. By providing your employees with access to financial benefit programs such as those listed below, employers can help relieve some of these financial stresses employees are facing, which can lead to a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.

• Healthcare coverage with different plan options so employees have the choice in selecting a plan that meets their specific needs.

• Offering a 401k Program and allowing for payroll deductions to make it easier for employees to plan for their future. (Also consider offering a 401k match with an attractive vesting schedule).

• Short and/or Long-Term Disability programs can help protect a portion of your employees’ paychecks if they cannot

work due to an unexpected injury or illness.

• Term / Whole Life Insurance & Long-Term Care Programs offers employees peace of mind and financial security knowing that their family will receive a benefit in the unfortunate event of death or in situations where long-term assisted living care is needed.

Checking off the box and offering these types of benefits is just the first step in helping your employees achieve financial security.

Financial Literacy is the next step. Employers should provide employees with the necessary education by hosting a well-coordinated and in-depth enrollment meeting which will help to ensure employees have the proper understanding and knowledge as to how these types of benefits can add value in their financial goals. Around annual enrollment time, leverage your benefits provider or broker to go through all the benefit options available, and highlight where there’s value relative to your employees’ specific circumstances.

By providing these invaluable tools & resources, you will help to set your employees up for success by helping lead them down the path to achieving their financial goals. This, in turn, will help your business by maintaining a happier and more engaged workforce.

May is Healthy Vision Month

Healthy Vision Month is all about promoting the importance of taking care of your eyes and maintaining good vision.

Why is Healthy Vision Month Important?

• Healthy vision is an important aspect of daily life. Maintaining healthy vision is crucial in performing everyday tasks such as driving, reading, or working at a computer. By promoting healthy vision, we can remind people to take care of their eyes and maintain clear vision.

• Regular eye exams can also help to detect serious health issues. Eye exams not only check for vision problems, but they can also help to detect major health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers. By raising awareness about healthy vision, we can encourage people to

prioritize their eye health and potentially catch these issues early on.

• Preventive measures can help. Reminders to take preventative measures to help protect your eyes, like wearing sunglasses to shield against UV rays or taking breaks from screentime to help reduce strain will help. By emphasizing the importance of good eye health, we can help prevent vision loss and promote overall well-being.

Another way employers can help to promote healthy vision in the workplace is by offering a vision insurance program to their employees. This can be done on a voluntary level, costing the

employer little to nothing, but providing employees with yet another valuable benefit.

Many vision plans cover the full cost of an annual eye exam as well as offer a set dollar amount that can be used toward eyeglass frames, lenses, and contacts. Some plans may also cover other services, including laser vision care programs or even prescription protective eyewear that is compliant with ANSI and OSHA safety guidelines.

For more information on these topics, feel free to reach out to Insurance Office of America.

e(Jlf,f_~talri t:ecr Ferreira Construction on 35 Successful Years!

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Reaching the First Major Milestone on Skanska Traylor JV’s Portal North Bridge Project

By: The Skanska Traylor Portal Bridge Team

Alittle more than a year after groundbreaking, construction on New Jersey Transit’s largest contract in history, Portal North Bridge, is in full swing. Recently, The Skanska Traylor PNB JV team celebrated a critical milestone for the structure that will improve rail transit over the Hackensack River: erecting the first steel beams for the bridge. The $1.6 billion Portal North Bridge project will replace the existing mechanical swing Portal Bridge, built in 1910, which spans the Hackensack River between Secaucus and Kearny, New Jersey. The new twotrack, fixed-span bridge will be situated 50 feet above the river and enable a more efficient commuter transit experience.

Delivering a much needed upgrade

Though the Portal Bridge has long been situated at an integral point geographically in the Northeast Corridor, it has too often been a point of congestion versus connection. Repeatedly, the moveable and outdated components of the bridge have led to malfunctions and the bridge being stuck in the open position when it allows marine traffic to pass through. As one of the busiest railroad bridges in the Western Hemisphere, any delay historically is a major disruption. Construction of the 2.5 mile bridge and approaches will include a new track configuration, retaining walls, access roads, structural steel bridge spans, deep foundations, new rail bridges over adjacent roadways and more—fea-

tures that will enable efficiency when it matters most. Once finished, trains will be allowed to travel at 90 mph, 30 mph faster than the current speed limit. NJ Transit officials anticipate this will lead to 14.4 percent more passenger capacity during rush hours.

Engineering a better bridge safely and efficiently

Those working on the Portal North Bridge project are divided into an East team, Marine Team, and West team. In preparation for the setting of the first steel beams, the teams have prioritized innovation on several fronts to drive overall project efficiency, reduce project costs and enable safer working in tight project conditions.

“The project is presently finishing up the last of the foundations and substructure work,” says Skanska’s Project Executive Michael Campana. “The foundations consisted of several different types of foundation elements that have been installed by our civil workforce and subcontractors. The team is now focusing on steel erection followed by concrete deck placements.”

The numbers behind the project and the team’s spectrum of achievements thus far, paint a picture of the many successes that have happened leading up to steel erection:

• 77,000 cubic yards of concrete have been placed by the team to date on the Portal North Bridge project. At one point, the project team was pouring over 1,000 cubic yards of concrete per day. To manage the volume of concrete pours and the flow of material and personnel access in the context of a very linear project, early start times and the creation of causeways have been critical.

• To date, the East team has installed 1.8 million pounds out of 2.2 million pounds total of rebar for the NE approach piers. The overall project has installed 15.5 million pounds of rebar so far. To avoid having to stick build at height, both teams utilized an onsite yard to preassemble rebar column cages, pier cap cages and pier cap formwork, allowing for increased production and an overall safer work environment.

• The East team has used an innovative PERI formwork system for the NE approach pier caps to allow for sectionalized stripping and quicker setup on the next piers.

• Both the West and East teams proposed a Stay in Place (SIP) deck formwork system (something that has never before been accepted or approved by Amtrak), as a value engineering proposal to eliminate erecting and stripping concrete forms at height.

• Additionally, the project team’s foresight is well demonstrated in their proposal to use SIP formwork—they knew that using it would allow for the entire bridge deck to be formed immediately after steel installation, in turn allowing rebar installation to occur sooner. Additionally, SIP formwork is a more environmentally friendly choice, saving tens of thousands of board feet of lumber.

With so many accomplishments in just over a year of active onsite work, it’s no wonder that the Skanska Traylor PNB JV team has already hit their first major milestone for Portal North Bridge. A “Be better together” mindset has kept the team on track and focused along the way.

“The entire project team focused on the goal of making Milestone #1 that required building all of the access platforms to construct the new bridge,” says Michael. “Having all of the access platforms built ahead of schedule, has set the team up to make the subsequent Milestone #2, that requires all of the bridge decks to be complete.”

Now, much of the bridge’s substructure is fully complete and steel erection is fully underway, establishing a necessary foundation for concrete deck placement. Using SIP formwork means that all bridge decks will be ready for concrete once warmer weather arrives in spring of 2024.

For over 60 years our t alent ed team o f construction managers, eng ineers, esti mat ors, construction workers and professional staff have del ivered high quality complex projects. In today's competit ive environment , Schiavone remains an industry leader in t h e heavy infrastructure market with an emphasis on tun nels, deep foundations, highways, bridges, wat er treatment faci lities, and marin e work Sch iavone is one o f the few construction firms maintaining a ful l design staff, al lowing us to develop innovative and cost saving solut ions to today's most chal lenging opport un ities

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