Const. Projects Close Amid Protests

June 2, 2020

As protests continue in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, construction has been impacted in several major cities around the U.S., ENR reports. Fires have been set at job sites, and city-mandated construction shutdowns. 

Some contractors have voluntarily shuttered sites or taken security precautions, the article says.

In Chicago, construction is closed at all downtown work sites beginning May 29. Roads have also been closed, and city agencies will continue to enforce closures while assessing when to reopen. CTA and Metra commuter trains have also been halted. 

In California, the state chapter of the Associated General Contractors says some job sites have elected to shut down, while others are closing because they haven’t been exempt from curfew orders.

In Minneapolis, a six-story low-income housing project burned to the ground the night of May 27. The project was set to complete in the spring of 2021. In downtown Columbus, Ohio, fire crews responded to a three-alarm fire at a mixed-use development with 64 residential units and ground level retail. Although the cause is undetermined, damages are estimated to be around $25 million.

Construction sites in protest areas are taking extra steps to prepare for possible damage. In Washington, D.C. for example, audits are under way at all of its sites and site-specific communication plans have been established. Management has also ensured security cameras are functioning properly.

Frank Raczon, Construction Equipment
Mark Pentz, Calvin Group/IEDA
Mark Pentz, Calvin Group/IEDA
Mark Pentz, Calvin Group/IEDA
Mark Pentz, Calvin Group/IEDA
Mark Pentz, Calvin Group/IEDA
ID 9194607 © Arak7 | Dreamstime.com
ID 9194607 © Arak7 | Dreamstime.com