Mega-Projects Fueling Construction Momentum, sparking a surge in construction starts and strengthening industry momentum. These mega-projects, focused on energy, data centers, and manufacturing, drove a 21.1% jump in total construction starts to $1.53 trillion annually in October 2025. In particular, multibillion-dollar projects like LNG terminals and hyper-scale data centers anchor this construction momentum, setting the stage for the major launches described below.
Major Mega-Projects Launched
Key multibillion-dollar mega-projects breaking ground exemplify the focus on energy and tech infrastructure mentioned earlier.
- The $15.1 billion Calcasieu Pass LNG Export Terminal in Cameron, Louisiana, is advancing the nation’s energy export capacity.
- The $9 billion Rio Grande LNG Phase 2 in Brownsville, Texas, is increasing LNG production capacity.
- The $7.5 billion Meta Hyperion data center in Richland, Louisiana, is expanding technology infrastructure across 1.4 million square feet.
- The $5.9 billion upgrades to the Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Maryland are improving Northeast rail connectivity.
- The $1.9 billion LA Convention Center expansion is adding vital event facility capacity.
- The $1.7 billion Eli Lilly manufacturing plant in Lebanon, Indiana, is expanding pharmaceutical production.
Additional starts include $214 million Andare Residences in Fort Lauderdale, $165 million in the 6 East 43rd St. conversion in New York, and $132 million in the Jefferson Bonnie Brae apartments in Denton, Texas.
Boost to Construction Momentum
Nonresidential construction momentum accelerated 17.9%, powered by a 107.2% rise in manufacturing and 45.5% growth in data centers. Meanwhile, utilities leaped 384.5% from LNG pipelines, countering highway declines. Through October 2025, nonresidential starts grew 5.6% year-to-date, with commercial up 13.6%.
Multibillion-dollar mega-projects sustain construction momentum despite residential weakness.
Construction Outlook
With these nine mega-project launches, the industry is positioned for continued growth. Demand for LNG exports, data centers, and manufacturing remains strong entering 2026, and activity in Southern states helps offset the impact of high interest rates. The momentum established by these projects supports optimism for a broader construction sector recovery.
Image Credit – constructiondive.com
