Total Public Construction Spending: Transportation in the United States

PBTRANSCONS • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

49,226.00

Year-over-Year Change

7.43%

Date Range

1/1/2002 - 6/1/2025

Summary

Total Public Construction Spending: Transportation measures government investment in transportation infrastructure projects in the United States. It is a key indicator of fiscal policy and economic activity.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

This series tracks the total value of public construction projects related to transportation, including highways, bridges, transit systems, and other transportation facilities. It is used by policymakers and analysts to assess the government's commitment to maintaining and improving the nation's transportation networks.

Methodology

The data is collected and published monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau based on surveys of construction activity.

Historical Context

Transportation infrastructure is crucial for economic productivity and competitiveness, making this series relevant for monitoring economic trends and policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • Public transportation construction spending totaled $131.7 billion in 2022.
  • Spending on highways and streets accounts for the largest share of transportation construction.
  • Transportation infrastructure investment has a multiplier effect on economic growth.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Total Public Construction Spending: Transportation series measures government investment in transportation infrastructure projects in the United States, including highways, bridges, transit systems, and other transportation facilities.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This trend is relevant for understanding fiscal policy, economic activity, and the government's commitment to maintaining and improving the nation's transportation networks, which are crucial for economic productivity and competitiveness.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected and published monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau based on surveys of construction activity.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Transportation infrastructure investment is an important tool for policymakers to stimulate economic growth and improve the efficiency of the transportation system, making this trend relevant for monitoring and informing economic policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published monthly, with a typical lag of around 2 months. There may be revisions to previous months' data as more complete information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Total Public Construction Spending: Transportation in the United States (PBTRANSCONS), retrieved from FRED.