On March 16, Boston mayor Martin Walsh issued an order halting
all construction projects in the city, citing concerns with worker
safety and a need to slow the spread of COVID-19. While a similar
order has not yet been issued in Connecticut, owners, contractors
and lenders across the State are wondering how delays arising from
the COVID-19 epidemic will affect project schedules and budgets. In
short, it depends on your contract.
Section 8.3.1 of the standard American Institute of Architects
A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction ("AIA
General Conditions") provides that a contractor delayed by
"causes beyond the Contractor's control" is entitled
to an extension of the date for substantial completion of the work
for a reasonable period of time (as determined by the Architect).
Further, the contractor has the right under Section 14.1.1 of the
AIA General Conditions to terminate the contract if the work is
stopped for 30 consecutive days because a court,
