23731 - Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
The backbone of our transportation infrastructure relies heavily on the expertise and capabilities defined under NAICS code 23731 — Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction. Whether you're a contractor, supplier, or government agency, understanding this industry classification is crucial for identifying opportunities, bidding on projects, or navigating compliance requirements in the construction sector.
What Is NAICS Code 23731?
NAICS code 23731 is categorized under the Construction sector and specifically includes establishments primarily engaged in the:
- Construction of highways, streets, roads, and bridges
This encompasses a wide range of activities such as:
- New construction projects
- Reconstruction
- Rehabilitation
- Repair work on transportation infrastructures
Businesses involved in these activities play a vital role in developing and maintaining roadways and bridges essential for commerce and daily transportation.
Sector Overview: Construction
The construction sector is broad, but NAICS 23731 focuses specifically on the horizontal construction segment associated with public infrastructure. Typical business activities under this code include:
- Highway construction contracting
- Street and road paving and resurfacing
- Bridge design and bridge building
- Infrastructure rehabilitation and repair projects
These businesses often work with public agencies such as state departments of transportation (DOTs), municipalities, and federal highway administrations, as well as private sector clients.
Size Standards for NAICS 23731 Eligibility
For government contracting and small business classification purposes, the Small Business Administration (SBA) defines size standards based on average annual receipts or number of employees. For NAICS 23731:
| Size Standard Metric | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Receipts | $39.5 million (over 3 years) |
| Common Employee Count | Not the primary measure for this NAICS code |
Businesses with average annual revenues under $39.5 million qualify as small businesses under this code, making them eligible for various small business government contracting programs.
Examples of Businesses under NAICS 23731
Organizations classified under NAICS 23731 include:
- Highway Construction Contractors: Companies specializing in building new highways and major roadways.
- Street Paving Companies: Businesses focused on asphalt or concrete street paving and resurfacing projects.
- Bridge Construction Firms: Specialists in bridge design, erection, and rehabilitation.
These firms often combine civil engineering expertise with heavy construction equipment to deliver large-scale transportation infrastructure.
NAICS Code 23731 Details Table
| NAICS Code | Title | Sector | Description | Size Standard | Typical Business Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23731 | Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction | Construction | Establishments engaged primarily in construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and repair of highways, streets, roads, and bridges. | Average annual receipts of $39.5M | Highway construction contractors, street paving companies, bridge construction firms |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of projects fall under NAICS code 23731?
Projects involving the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or repair of highways, streets, roads, and bridges qualify under NAICS 23731.
How do I know if my business qualifies as small under NAICS 23731?
If your business’s average annual receipts for the past three years are less than $39.5 million, you qualify as a small business under SBA standards for NAICS 23731.
Can my company be classified under multiple NAICS codes?
Yes. Companies often work across related codes. For example, a civil construction firm might also be classified under codes related to heavy and civil engineering construction.
Are there government contracting opportunities for NAICS 23731 businesses?
Absolutely. Federal, state, and local governments frequently release contracts for road and bridge projects that fall under this NAICS code.
Where can I find official information about NAICS codes and size standards?
The U.S. Census Bureau’s NAICS website and the Small Business Administration’s official site provide updated information and resources.
Conclusion
NAICS code 23731 represents a vital segment of the construction industry focused on highways, streets, and bridges. Whether you are a contractor looking to bid on public infrastructure projects or want to understand your business classification, mastering the details of this NAICS code is essential. Keep this guide handy for an overview of the industry, key activities, size standards, and business types covered under this essential classification.
Keywords: NAICS code 23731, highway construction contractors, street paving companies, bridge construction firms, construction sector, federal contracting, infrastructure construction, SBA size standards, highway construction NAICS code.
