The Dodge Momentum Index fell 5.1 percent in April to 133.8 (2000=100) from its revised March reading of 140.9. April’s decline was due to a 12-percent drop for the institutional segment, while the commercial component rose just 0.1 percent.

The index is a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year.

Since early 2016, the Momentum Index has gained substantial ground, according to Dodge Data & Analytics, as it has increased by more than 20 percent through March this year. Despite April’s decline, the broad upward trend persists, suggesting construction activity has further room to grow in 2017.

In April, six projects entered planning each with a value that exceeded $100 million.