The usually congested streets in the Denver area are nearly empty for stretches, but they’re not silent. The beeping of big trucks backing up and heavy equipment can be heard as construction workers, whose jobs are classified as essential during the coronavirus outbreak, continue work on new residential and commercial buildings, renovations and public works projects. In downtown Denver, construction workers in hard hats and fluorescent yellow and orange vests far outnumber people in suits or business casual dress. “We don’t take that lightly, that we’re able to keep working,” said Justin Cooper, president of Denver-based Saunders Construction Inc. So far, there have been few layoffs, said Jason Wardrip, business manager for the Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council.