The top economist in the cement, concrete and construction industries predicts a stronger U.S. economy during the first half of this year than was previously expected but believes there will likely be a slowdown in economic growth starting this summer.

Construction employment increased by 4,000 jobs in May and by 215,000, or 3.0 percent, over the past 12 months, while the number of unemployed jobseekers with construction experience fell to a record low.