Top Stories of 2025
In 2025, a handful of stories stood out for how closely they were followed across the roads and bridges construction industry and transportation industry.
From questions about federal funding to last-minute clarifications out of Washington D.C. and a deadly tunnel crash that shut down a major interstate, these stories were the ones people kept coming back to and talking about all year.
Trump Announces Executive Order on IIJA
Our top news story of the year centers on uncertainty around federal infrastructure funding.
On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump signed executive orders telling federal agencies to temporarily pause or review funding tied to major infrastructure and climate laws, raising questions about billions of dollars meant for roads, bridges and other projects.
While some money had already gone out the door, much of it had only been approved on paper. That left states and contractors unsure whether projects would move forward or if planned work would be delayed.
Industry experts warned that stopping or slowing payments for projects already under contract could delay work, trigger legal disputes and disrupt construction schedules, jobs, and long-term planning.
As the year closes, agencies and the construction industry are still waiting to see how the orders will be enforced and whether previously promised funding will move forward.
White House Clarifies Executive Order
Another big development this year came when the White House stepped in to clear up confusion around President Trump’s executive order that paused some federal funding.
On Jan. 21, the Office of Management and Budget released new guidance to explain what the order does and does not cover for infrastructure and construction programs.
According to OMB, the pause is aimed mostly at climate-related programs, including emissions reduction efforts and electric vehicle incentives. Traditional road and bridge projects funded through the infrastructure law are not the main focus.
That clarification mattered. The original order had raised concerns across the industry, especially among agencies and companies that have invested in sustainability and new technology.
Lawmakers also weighed in, with some warning the move could threaten jobs and others saying it was still too early to know how much funding would actually be affected.
OMB added that agencies can still release funds after checking with the office and pointed out that much of the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean-energy support comes through tax credits, which can only be changed by Congress.
While the guidance helped narrow the scope of the pause, uncertainty remains. Agencies and contractors are still watching closely to see how the review process plays out and whether any funding delays could affect projects already underway.
Tunnel Fire in Wyoming Results in Three Deaths
Another closely watched story this year was the investigation into a deadly crash inside the Interstate 80 tunnels near Green River, Wyo.
The multi-vehicle crash happened on Feb. 14 and led to a fire that killed three people and seriously injured two others.
When first responders arrived, the fire was already burning inside the tunnel, making rescue efforts difficult. Crews focused on getting people out while firefighters worked to put the fire out.
State officials later confirmed that federal agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board, were helping with the investigation. While the fire caused significant damage inside the tunnel, engineers said the structure itself was not in danger of collapsing.