NAICS 237 - Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

The Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction subsector comprises establishments whose primary activity is the construction of entire engineering projects (e.g., highways and dams), and specialty trade contractors, whose primary activity is the production of a specific component for such projects. Specialty trade contractors in the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction subsector generally are performing activities that are specific to heavy and civil engineering construction projects and are not normally performed on buildings. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs. Specialty trade activities are classified in this subsector if the skills and equipment present are specific to heavy or civil engineering construction projects. For example, specialized equipment is needed to paint lines on highways. This equipment is not normally used in building applications so the activity is classified in this subsector. Traffic signal installation, while specific to highways, uses much of the same skills and equipment that are needed for electrical work in building projects and is therefore classified in Subsector 238, Specialty Trade Contractors.

Construction projects involving water resources (e.g., dredging and land drainage) and projects involving open space improvement (e.g., parks and trails) are included in this subsector. Establishments whose primary activity is the subdivision of land into individual building lots usually perform various additional site-improvement activities (e.g., road building and utility line installation) and are included in this subsector. Establishments in this subsector are classified based on the types of structures that they construct. This classification reflects variations in the requirements of the underlying production processes.

• Construction of major engineering projects such as highways, dams, and water resource facilities.
• Includes specialty trade contractors producing components unique to heavy and civil engineering projects.
• Focuses on projects not typically associated with building construction, requiring specialized equipment and skills.
• Covers new construction, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs of infrastructure.
• Incorporates subdivision and site improvement activities related to land development.
• Classification based on the type of engineered structures constructed.

• Construction of highways and roadways including paving and line painting.
• Building dams, levees, and flood control systems.
• Water resource projects such as dredging, land drainage, and water treatment facilities.
• Site improvements including parks, trails, and open space development.
• Subdivision development including road and utility installation.
• Maintenance and repair of existing heavy civil infrastructure.
• Installation of specialized components like retaining walls and engineered embankments.
• Earthmoving and grading for large-scale civil projects.

• Heavy civil construction general contractors
• Specialty trade contractors focused on heavy infrastructure components
• Engineering and construction firms specializing in public works
• Site development and land subdivision contractors
• Heavy equipment operators and earthmoving contractors
• Water resource management and environmental construction contractors