Second quarter aggregate production up considerably

Preliminary numbers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) suggest aggregate production rose sharply in the second quarter. Increases in domestic production for crushed stone, sand and gravel were substantial compared to production in the first quarter of 2012, primarily owing to seasonal variations.

USGS says crushed stone production was up 47 percent over the first quarter, and construction sand and gravel was up 63 percent. Construction materials showed much more modest increases when compared to the second quarter of last year, with crushed stone and construction sand and gravel each up 5 percent.

The increase in construction materials production compared to production in the second quarter of 2011 could be the continuing effects of the unusually warm winter weather in the eastern half of the United States. The increase may also reflect specific increases in construction after several years of decline.

Total construction spending during the first half of 2012 was up 9 percent over the corresponding period of 2011.