NAICS 2373

Highway, Street, & Bridge Construction

Highway, street, and bridge construction industry overview. Learn about NAICS 2373, market trends, workforce, and infrastructure development in the US.

Published by VantaInsights Research·Methodology·Data Sources· AI-drafted
Built on data from Census Bureau CBP Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal Reserve FRED SEC EDGAR

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 2373 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
315K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
9,256
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$31.0B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$98,566
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$160.3B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Highway, street, and bridge construction encompasses the design, building, and maintenance of road infrastructure, including highways, local streets, bridges, and related structures that form the backbone of the nation's transportation network. This industry group includes general contractors and specialty contractors engaged in concrete placement, asphalt paving, earthwork, and structural construction for these projects, as well as firms providing engineering and project management services. The sector is cyclically sensitive, heavily influenced by government funding decisions at federal, state, and local levels, with demand driven by infrastructure maintenance needs, economic development initiatives, and periodic reauthorization of transportation funding legislation.

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Industry Trends

01

Increased focus on sustainability and green infrastructure, including permeable pavements, recycled materials, and stormwater management systems integrated into road and bridge projects.

02

Growing adoption of accelerated construction techniques and advanced scheduling methods that minimize traffic disruptions and reduce project timelines in congested urban areas.

03

Rising demand for bridge rehabilitation and replacement driven by aging infrastructure, with the American Society of Civil Engineers reporting significant deficiencies requiring substantial capital investment.

04

Integration of smart infrastructure technologies such as IoT sensors, connected traffic systems, and digital asset management to enhance safety, maintenance efficiency, and data collection.

05

Workforce challenges and labor cost inflation as the industry faces shortages of skilled workers, increased competition for talent, and higher wage pressures across construction trades.

Specialty Reports Available on Request

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Highway, Street, & Bridge Construction
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Highway, Street, & Bridge Construction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 2373? ▾
NAICS 2373 is the classification for Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction, a specialized segment of heavy and civil engineering construction. This industry group includes contractors and firms responsible for building and reconstructing highways, streets, roads, bridges, and related transportation infrastructure throughout the United States. The classification encompasses both general contractors managing large projects and specialty contractors providing specific services like paving, concrete work, and structural steel installation.
What are the primary funding sources for highway and bridge construction projects? ▾
The majority of funding comes from government sources, including the Federal Highway Administration through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and traditional highway trust fund allocations, supplemented by state department of transportation budgets and local government appropriations. Private funding plays a smaller role, primarily through public-private partnerships on toll roads and specific infrastructure initiatives. Project funding mechanisms include gas taxes, vehicle registration fees, tolls, and general revenue allocations.
What specialized skills and equipment are essential in this industry? ▾
Essential skills include heavy equipment operation, asphalt and concrete installation and finishing, surveying, traffic control, and project management expertise. Specialized equipment includes pavers, compactors, graders, bulldozers, and bridge construction equipment. Workers must possess certifications in areas such as OSHA safety, equipment operation, and trade-specific credentials, with ongoing training required to stay current with new materials and technologies.
How does seasonal variation impact highway construction operations? ▾
Construction activity typically peaks during spring and summer months when weather conditions are favorable and project schedules are most aggressive. Winter months present challenges in northern regions due to freezing temperatures, precipitation, and shortened daylight hours, leading to project delays and increased costs. Contractors must plan workforce scheduling and equipment allocation strategically to manage these seasonal fluctuations and maintain consistent revenue streams.
What regulatory and compliance requirements do highway construction contractors face? ▾
Contractors must comply with federal highway design standards, OSHA safety regulations, environmental protection requirements including Clean Water Act provisions, and prevailing wage laws on many publicly-funded projects. Davis-Bacon wage requirements apply to federal-aid highway projects, and contractors must secure bonding, insurance, and certifications for equipment and workers. State and local permitting, traffic management plans, and community engagement requirements add additional layers of compliance.

Related Industries

Utility System Construction 2371Land Subdivision 2372Other Heavy & Civil Engineering Construction 2379Architectural, Engineering, & Related Services 5413

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