News from the Shell cracker project is that the project has been put (back) on a fast track. Schedules that were extended when Shell cut capital budgets earlier this summer have now been accelerated. Construction on the first of the warehouses being built for Shell by C.J. Betters is nearing completion, meaning that the energy company will soon have a place to store components of the plant that will be shipped by barge from the Gulf Coast. A general services package is now out to bid.

Pittsburgh's healthcare market has picked up steam also. Rycon Construction was awarded the $6 million first phase of the UPMC Jameson Hospital modernization in New Castle. There is also bidding or award of contracts for several other healthcare projects worth $20 to $30 million. PJ Dick was awarded the West Penn NICU project. Bids are being taken on the Presbyterian Hospital cardiovascular and Shadyside Hospital patient room renovation. Waters Senior Living awarded its $27 million Warrendale facility. Wheeling Hospital is taking bids on a $20 million continuing care facility.  Go to BuildingPittsburgh to see who is bidding or awarded these jobs.

Concord Hospitality is taking bids Sept. 7 from PJ Dick, Mascaro, Rycon and Turner on its $30 million Hyatt Centric hotel at the PAA site in Oakland. In the week after Labor Day, Massaro CM Services will put the $80 million Cumberland Valley Middle & Elementary School projects out to bid. The project will be the largest K-12 job in the state in 2016.