Pennsylvania Major-Metro Markets Experience an Increase of 4.5% in Year-Over-Year Analysis, BidClerk Data Finds

Public Construction Decreased Just (-0.1%), as Private Construction Increased 16.4% Compared to the Same Period Last Year

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For major-metro regions in Pennsylvania, including Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ; Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA; Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD; Pittsburgh, PA; Reading, PA; Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA; and York-Hanover, PA, the BidClerk Construction Index™ (BCI) reported mixed results for construction projects that were actively bidding.

Overall, construction activity that was actively bidding experienced an increased of 4.5% compared to one year ago. Private construction activity increased 16.4%, while public construction was down (-0.1%). In a quarter-over-quarter analysis for all construction projects that were actively bidding, the major-metro regions in Pennsylvania experienced a decrease of (-12.1%). Third quarter public projects experienced a decrease of (-14.5%) and private projects decreased (6.2%) compared to the second quarter of 2012.

In a year-over-year analysis for the Philadelphia region, combined public and private construction projects that were actively bidding increased 8.0% compared to one year ago, with private projects increasing 35.8% and public projects decreasing (-1.6%). A quarter-over-quarter analysis revealed that combined private and public construction projects that were actively bidding in the Philadelphia region experienced a decrease of (-16.5%), with private and public construction projects dropping (-14.2%) and (-17.6%), respectively.

In a year-over-year analysis, combined public and private construction projects that were actively bidding in the Pittsburgh region increased 0.5% compared to one year ago, with private projects decreasing (-11.4%) and public projects increasing 7.0%. A BCI quarter-over-quarter analysis also revealed mild growth in the construction sector. Combined Pittsburgh region private and public construction projects that were actively bidding experienced an increase of 7.6%, with private and public construction projects increasing 1.6% and 10.5%, respectively.

The Pennsylvania counties surveyed by the BidClerk Construction Index include Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ; Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA; Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD; Pittsburgh, PA; Reading, PA; Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA; and York-Hanover, PA.

Nationally, BCI found that combined public and private construction projects that were actively bidding increased 3.0% in the third quarter of 2012, compared to the same quarter a year ago. BCI also found that third quarter 2012 public construction increased modestly, rising just 0.2%, while third quarter 2012 private construction jumped 12.3%, year-over-year.

Today’s new construction project data was released by BidClerk, a leading provider of construction project data and marketing tools for building product manufacturers, contractors, and distributors. The BidClerk Construction Index is a quarterly data service offered at no cost to media outlets that cover regional construction news. Members of the media may request custom BidClerk Construction Index reports for specific counties, regions, and states by contacting BidClerk: [e-mail].

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With the most affordable solutions on the market, BidClerk is the widely recognized leader in providing construction project data and marketing tools for building product manufacturers, contractors, and distributors. All of BidClerk’s services are offered at subscription rates that are far below those charged by McGraw-Hill Construction (NYSE: MHP) or Reed Construction Data (Rel:Ln). Users can try BidClerk for $5.95 for full national access to its project database for three days. More info: www.BidClerk.com.