When Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, it caused severe disruptions to construction projects across the state. Baxter International’s North Cove facility in Marion, N.C., was completely shut down after floodwaters damaged the site and bridges leading to it. Elsewhere, landslides and floods wiped out large sections of Interstate 40, making transportation of materials and equipment
force majeure
East Coast versus West Coast: What Specific Construction Materials Could Be Held Up at Port?
Yesterday, I posted about potential construction delays and supply chain challenges resulting from the strike at the East Coast ports, such as New York, New Jersey, Savannah, and Charleston.
A reader asked me about the specific types of construction materials that may be subject to delays. Geographically, the East Coast ports handle a variety…
Stuck at the Docks: Managing Construction Delays and Supply Chain Issues Resulting from the East Coast Ports Strike
At midnight on October 1, 2024, longshoremen and harbor workers at major East Coast ports went on strike, causing significant disruptions to the flow of goods and materials of all sorts, including those essential for the construction industry. The strike has brought operations at ports like New York, New Jersey, Charleston, and Savannah—key entry points…
Tornadoes and Other Catastrophic Events Can Cripple a Construction Project—And How to Respond
Last month, a construction worker died as a storm swept through a construction site in Lebanon, Indiana. The preliminary investigation determined that the contractor was on an elevated platform while working on an industrial warehouse that was under construction. The man and other workers were in the process of stopping due to approaching thunderstorms.…
Complimentary E-Book: Best Practices for Contractors to Address COVID-19
I am not going to even attempt to describe what has occurred over the past week. You’ve read it online. You’ve watched the daily news reports. You’ve listened to the radio. And you’ve even had to adjust your own schedule to accommodate school closings. While working remotely myself, my mobile phone has been constantly pinging…
Top 20 Contract Issues for Contractors and Subcontractors (Part 3)
My friend Melissa Brumback of Construction Law in North Carolina said that my post yesterday on construction contract issues was SCARY (…although I think she only wanted a shout-out…). In any event, I am glad that I am receiving good feedback on my list of Top 20 Contract Issues.
In this third part…
State Football Playoffs: Excusable Delay on Construction Project?
College football in the Midwest. No further comment needed. So it should come as no surprise to see that a construction project in Mishawaka, Indiana was "postponed" as the local football team advanced to the state playoffs.
Although the school’s request to hold off the work crews affected construction for only a few days—and there…