Real-world Challenges from Construction’s Busiest Season

November 4, 2026

From demanding schedules and shifting conditions to the coordination required when multiple projects, stakeholders and utilities converge in the field, peak construction season brings a unique set of challenges. These challenges may look different from project to project but successfully navigating them requires flexibility, communication and the ability to keep work moving when circumstances change.

Primera’s construction professionals have experienced these challenges first-hand while supporting complex projects across Illinois and Indiana. Members of our Construction team share some of the specific challenges encountered during this summer’s busy construction months and how they worked through them.

Challenge #1

Staffing

“Responding to the accelerated pace of the Department of Water Management’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program in Chicago was a challenge. Providing construction management services at this scale required us to quickly adapt our management structure and increase staffing to meet demand. We cross-trained existing staff, streamlined program procedures, and got creative when scheduling to support the anticipated completion of more than 9,000 lead service replacements.”

Bryant Hawkins, Project Manager, Construction

Challenge #2

Extreme Weather

“This summer a tornado touched down and ran through our project site in Glen Ellyn, Illinois as construction crews were working. The damage to trees and power lines created a unique challenge for us, requiring extra communication and coordination with local power agencies to make the necessary repairs while maintaining the project timeline.”

Mary Ellen Mack, Senior Project Manager, Construction

Challenge #3

Traffic

“On the I-80/94 FlexRoad project, our biggest challenge has been working safely alongside live traffic on Indiana’s busiest interstate. With traffic of more than 200,000 vehicles a day, limited room to work, and frequent weather delays this season, staged traffic shifts and close coordination with the contractor have been key to keeping crews safe and work progressing.”

Daniela Kurzeja, Construction Technician II

Challenge #4

Changing Project Demands

“One of our biggest challenges was managing the dynamic nature of the work. Our staff may travel to multiple sites in a single day, supporting projects ranging from substation upgrades and transmission infrastructure to building improvements. With so many different project types and locations, staying adaptable and maintaining a consistent level of quality is necessary to successfully make repairs and do maintenance work.”

K-Todd Behling, Senior Project Manager, Construction

Challenge #5

Juggling Jurisdictions

“The proposed Illinois Department of Transportation roadway improvements at the intersection of Joliet Road and Brainard Avenue conflict with several existing utilities, including gas mains, fiber optic and phone cables, power poles, City water mains and fire hydrants, and a sanitary sewer force main. As you can imagine, this requires several layers of coordination among various agencies and teams. Through proactive communication and careful coordination, we can work through conflicts and minimize disruptions during construction.”

Sven Flodstrom, Construction Engineer V

For every challenge, Primera’s Construction team provides strong coordination and practical solutions. Learn more about our services and how we can support your next construction project.

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