Texas’s July 2026 Iron Index is 76 (Active). TxDOT recorded $1,047,973,863 in low bids across 214 contracts; 74.5% of value was in earthwork-intensive work. Regional diesel was $5.087/gal in the week of 2026-07-27. July construction employment was up 2.1% year over year.
One score summarizing project activity, demand, capacity, operating pressure, and near-term opportunity.
TxDOT recorded $1,048.0M in low bids across 214 July contracts.
74.5% of recorded low-bid value was in earthwork-intensive work.
Regional diesel was $5.087/gal in the week of 2026-07-27.
For readers who want the detail behind the score, signals, regional outlook, and operating recommendations.
Executive read: Texas’s July Iron Index is 76 (Active), Iron Sheepdog’s proprietary assessment. Large freeway conversion, widening and interchange contracts supported strong recorded DOT activity. Regional diesel costs rose above their recent reference level, and the employment-based capacity proxy pointed to tighter availability.
$221,640,502 across 1 contract(s), representing 21.1% of recorded low-bid value. Confirm actual hauling scope, award status and mobilization with the contractor.
$167,741,121 across 1 contract(s), representing 16.0% of recorded low-bid value. Confirm actual hauling scope, award status and mobilization with the contractor.
$153,151,576 across 3 contract(s), representing 14.6% of recorded low-bid value. Confirm actual hauling scope, award status and mobilization with the contractor.
$118,031,820 across 2 contract(s), representing 11.3% of recorded low-bid value. Confirm actual hauling scope, award status and mobilization with the contractor.
$221,968,802 across 2 contract(s). This is a concentration of recorded low bids, not a measurement of available hauling work or trucks.
$179,495,216 across 8 contract(s). This is a concentration of recorded low bids, not a measurement of available hauling work or trucks.
$148,762,862 across 4 contract(s). This is a concentration of recorded low bids, not a measurement of available hauling work or trucks.
$69,925,811 across 4 contract(s). This is a concentration of recorded low bids, not a measurement of available hauling work or trucks.
EIA reported Gulf Coast (PADD 3) on-highway diesel at $5.087/gal for the week of 2026-07-27, 6.6% above its recent reference level. This is a regional figure, not a Texas pump price. Check fuel-adjustment terms and loaded and empty miles when pricing work.
BLS reported 923,300 construction jobs in July 2026, up 2.1% from July 2025. Hauler Capacity is an employment-based proxy, not a measurement of truck supply. The proxy points to tighter availability; local truck commitments still need direct confirmation.
This edition assesses transportation activity, heavy civil work, fuel costs and hauling capacity. Together, these indicators inform Iron Sheepdog’s proprietary view of market conditions.
Project Pipeline and Broker Opportunity are not rated in this edition. Historical forward-looking contract values are unavailable for this reporting period.
Historical edition prepared October 15, 2026. Letting, fuel and employment observations are anchored to the stated reporting period. Employment estimates may be revised after their initial release.
The Iron Index is Iron Sheepdog’s proprietary market assessment, built from public DOT, EIA and BLS data. It considers activity, work mix, forward pipeline, fuel pressure and hauling capacity. A score of 60 represents normal conditions for that state. The scoring derivation is proprietary and is not published.
Hauler Capacity is an employment-based proxy, not a measurement of truck supply. Scores describe observed conditions and are not forecasts or guarantees. Low-bid results can change before final award. This report does not measure all private, county or municipal construction.
Use the market signals above to grow your network, plan capacity, and find better-fit work in Texas.