Punch List: HNTB Takes Two Maryland Bridge Jobs, AECOM Names Transport Chief

HNTB has won work on two Maryland bridge projects, while AECOM has named a new global transportation chief — the two headline moves in this week's construction and design contracting news.

The roundup, reported as a punch list of industry items, covers four developments: the HNTB bridge wins in Maryland, AECOM's leadership appointment, cost data from Turner, and a governance change at the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).

What do the numbers say about costs?

Turner reported that its costs rose 5.5% annually in the third quarter. That figure works out to a meaningful squeeze: for every dollar of cost in the prior year's third quarter, the contractor spent roughly $1.055 in the same period this year. Cost escalation at that pace compounds quickly if it holds across quarters.

For contractors and owners budgeting 2025 work, a 5.5% annual increase is the number to benchmark against. It's a single-quarter data point from one firm, but Turner's size makes its cost trends a widely watched proxy for the broader market.

Who moved where?

AECOM named a new global transportation chief, placing a senior leader over one of the firm's largest practice areas. The company has not disclosed further details of the appointment in the roundup.

CMAA, the Construction Management Association of America, picked a new chair of its board of directors. The association represents construction managers across the U.S., and its board leadership shapes the group's advocacy and standards work.

HNTB's two Maryland bridge wins round out the list. Bridge work has been a growth area for engineering firms as states direct federal infrastructure funds toward aging spans.

Why does this week matter?

Taken together, the items sketch the industry's current pressures: labor and materials costs still climbing at Turner, firms reshuffling leadership to chase transportation spending, and associations refreshing governance. Watch whether Turner's 5.5% figure holds in the fourth quarter — that's the test of whether escalation is cooling or compounding.