The Big 7: A Look at the Largest General Contractors Shaping America's Infrastructure

Construction can be an annoying experience for many people. The noise, dust, and traffic congestion can make it challenging to go about your daily routine. However, there's no denying that the construction industry is vital to our economy. General contractors are at the forefront of the industry, overseeing the construction of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure projects. This blog post will look at the 7 largest general contractors in the USA, their revenue, the number of employees, and the top projects they have led over the last decade.

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1. Bechtel Corporation: With a revenue of $21.8 billion and over 40,000 employees, Bechtel Corporation is the largest general contractor in the USA. The most iconic project led by Bechtel is the Hoover Dam Bypass, officially known as the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. This project included a 1,900-foot-long bridge that spans the Black Canyon and connects Arizona to Nevada to ease traffic congestion. The bypass was completed in October 2010, 1 month ahead of schedule. Bechtel was also able to come in under budget, with the final cost being $114 million, which was $15 million less than the original budget.

Bechtel also played a role in reconstructing Iraq's infrastructure after the Gulf War. The company was responsible for rebuilding Iraq's electrical grid, water treatment facilities, and oil refineries. The project helped to restore essential services to the Iraqi people and provided employment opportunities for local workers. Bechtel completed the project in 2012 with a total cost of $2.4 billion.

2. Fluor Corporation: With a revenue of $19.2 billion and over 53,000 employees, Fluor Corporation is the second-largest general contractor in the USA. The company has been involved in several notable projects, including constructing the new Tappan Zee Bridge in New York. The bridge, which opened in 2017, replaced the old Tappan Zee Bridge, built in 1955. The new bridge is broader and includes dedicated lanes for buses and emergency vehicles. The project cost $3.9 billion and was completed on time and within budget.

Fluor also played a significant role in constructing the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in the UK. The project, which is still ongoing, involves the construction of two nuclear reactors that will generate enough electricity to power six million homes. The project is expected to cost $26 billion and be completed by 2025. The project is significant as it will provide a substantial source of clean energy for the UK.

3. Turner Construction: With a revenue of $14.8 billion and over 10,000 employees, Turner Construction is the third-largest general contractor in the USA. The company has been involved in several high-profile projects, including constructing the new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The stadium opened on April 16th, 2009, just in time for the baseball season's opening day, replacing the old Yankee Stadium built in 1923. The new stadium includes modern amenities and seating for over 47,000 fans.

Turner also played a significant role in constructing the World Trade Center Transportation Hub in New York City. The hub opened in 2016 and is a state-of-the-art transportation center connecting commuters to 11 different subway lines and the PATH train. This project included retail space and a public plaza. The project cost $4 billion and is praised for its innovative design.

4. AECOM: With a revenue of $13.2 billion and over 50,000 employees, AECOM is the fourth-largest general contractor in the USA. The company is involved in several notable projects, including constructing the new Los Angeles Rams Stadium in Inglewood, California. The stadium opened in 2020 and is the home of the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers. The stadium is the largest in the NFL. It includes state-of-the-art amenities such as a 70,000-square-foot video board and a transparent roof. The project cost $5 billion and has been praised for its innovative design and sustainability features.

AECOM also played a role in constructing the San Francisco Transbay Transit Center, which opened in 2018. The transit center is a multi-level transportation hub that connects commuters to buses, trains, and other modes of transportation. The center also includes retail space and a rooftop park. The Transit Center cost $2.3 billion for its innovative design and sustainable features.

5. Kiewit Corporation: With a revenue of $12.9 billion and over 25,000 employees, Kiewit Corporation is the fifth-largest general contractor in the USA. The company has been involved in several notable projects, including constructing the new Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in New York. The bridge, which opened in 2018, replaced the old Tappan Zee Bridge and included state-of-the-art features such as a cashless tolling system and a shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians. The project cost $3.9 billion and was completed ahead of schedule.

Kiewit also played a role in constructing the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City. The hospital opened in 2020 and is a state-of-the-art medical facility with 662 patient beds and 48 operating rooms. The project cost $1.2 billion and has been praised for its innovative design and patient-centered approach.

6. Jacobs Engineering Group: With a revenue of $11.8 billion and over 55,000 employees, Jacobs is the sixth-largest general contractor in the USA. The company has been involved in several notable projects, including constructing the new San Francisco 49ers Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The stadium opened in 2014 and is the home of the San Francisco 49ers and includes state-of-the-art features such as a 49ers museum and a rooftop deck. The project cost $1.3 billion and was completed on time and within budget.

Jacobs also played a role in constructing the new Gulf Coast Ammonia plant in Texas. The project is significant as it will help to meet the growing demand for ammonia in the agricultural industry. The plant, still under construction, will produce 1.3 million tons of ammonia annually and is expected to create 75 permanent jobs.

7. Skanska USA: With a revenue of $8.5 billion and over 10,000 employees, Skanska USA is the seventh-largest general contractor in the USA. The company has been involved in several notable projects, most notably the construction of the new LaGuardia Airport Terminal B in New York. The terminal opened in 2020 and included modern amenities such as a children's play area and a food hall, making LaGuardia a real contender for NYC's airport of choice. The project cost $4 billion.

Skanska also played a role in constructing the new San Francisco Public Utilities Commission headquarters. The building opened in 2012 and is a state-of-the-art facility with sustainable features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The project cost was $146 million and has made a one-of-a-kind sustainable building in San Francisco's downtown area.

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In conclusion, while construction can be an annoying experience, the projects led by these 7 largest general contractors in the USA have significantly impacted our society. From creating new infrastructure to providing employment opportunities, these projects have helped shape our world. It's fascinating to see how these companies have been able to tackle large-scale projects that have transformed our cities and communities.

As a contractor myself, I find curiosity and excitement when I see a new project starting up. Still, I understand how some people may find construction frustrating and inconvenient. However, it's important to remember that these projects are ultimately meant to improve our quality of life, whether it's through better transportation, more efficient energy usage, or modern healthcare facilities.

It's also worth noting that these projects are only possible with the hard work and dedication of the thousands of employees who work for these companies. Everyone is essential in bringing these projects to life, from engineers and architects to construction workers and administrative staff.

Overall, the construction industry plays a crucial role in shaping our world, and it's essential to recognize the companies leading the way. The 7 largest general contractors in the USA are impressive for their size and revenue and their impact on our communities. We can only imagine what exciting projects they will tackle next.

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