Ellie Gabel explores the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for modernising US infrastructure to meet 21st-century demands in transportation, energy, water, and broadband.
Infrastructure experts are experiencing one of the most promising yet volatile periods of change. Grid technology, wastewater transmission, internet access, and countless other national utilities are demanding varying degrees of improvements to accommodate contemporary living and business operations.
For years, the US has relied on antiquated assets, so is it feasible to expect a seamless transition?
The state of current infrastructure
Modernisation has been a concern for many years, emerging as a key focus of several administrations.
This is most notable when the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill was passed in November 2021, investing unprecedented federal funds into everything from bridges to transmission cables.
States and their citizens have witnessed some enhancements in the last decade, with significant advancements and financial backing still required to reach their fullest potential.
Given the technological and utility needs of the 21st-century economy, the US is underperforming. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the nation’s comprehensive infrastructure a C grade on its report card, an improvement from previous assessments.
While policy and advocacy for US infrastructure investments and work have helped, these are the primary areas seeking progress:
- Transportation: Publicly available options, high-speed rail development, reinforcing ports for climate resilience, and repairing roadways.
- Energy: Grid modernisation, cybersecurity oversight, better transmission technology, and integration of renewable energy generators.
- Water: Enhanced treatment strategies, pipe replacements, updates to quality standards, and groundwater recharge solutions.
- Broadband: High-speed access in rural and remote locations, while making internet service cheaper.
The most significant barrier between these projects is money. Policymakers must address the funding gap through legislation, as this would enforce and standardise expectations for US infrastructure improvement.
The need for upgrades and retrofits
Most US infrastructure is reaching the end of its lifespan. These structures are unable to handle modern demands because they were designed and engineered for the parameters of a less populated, technologically less advanced society. Other motivators for modernisation include:
- Introduction of novel pollutants in waterways.
- Implementation of high-energy technologies, such as artificial intelligence.
- Demand for sustainable operations and green tech.
- Inoperable or outdated technology.
- Greater wear and tear on roadways and bridges due to urbanisation.
- Increase in cyberattack severity.
- Need to close the digital divide.
Additionally, climate stress is a prominent catalyst. Over the last decade, many US cities have experienced an increase in flood days and wildfires compared to previous years.
These events disrupted infrastructure security, leading to destroyed buildings and public health crises. The future demands climate-resilient fixtures to minimise recovery times from disasters.
The methods for modernisation
These are the best ways to propel the US forward to greater infrastructure.
Embrace rising materials and technologies
If industries like construction could move beyond traditional materials, then modern infrastructure could be more accessible.
Many older options, such as those containing heavy metals, are difficult to access and often require environmental degradation to obtain. Additionally, supply chain concerns and availability slow progress if infrastructure-related sectors fail to have a diverse mix of material options.
Newly developed materials – including galvanised steel, low-carbon cement, mass timber, and fibre-optic cables – emphasise greater durability and lower carbon footprints.
For instance, Recygénie is a large apartment building constructed from aggregates derived from recycled construction and demolition waste, which saved approximately 6,000 tons of natural resources.
Sensors, Internet of Things, digital twins and more innovative technologies can also be integrated into the infrastructure to offer real-time insights.
Use dig once policies
A dig once policy is an infrastructure development approach focused on collaboration. It joins multiple sectors, such as water, electrical and sewage, to execute projects simultaneously in the same area.
This means that efforts only need to be uprooted in one area. Professionals can dig up the ground, temporarily disrupting habitats or society, and never have to do so in such a monumental way again.
Large-scale case studies in New York and California demonstrate that this is achievable with great success.
Focus on data-driven asset management
Many regions of the world are building data centres and battery energy storage systems because they can empower nations with automation and economic well-being, as seen with the AES Andes Solar IIB plant.
These resources are powered by analytics, offering a scalable solution for the infrastructure’s future. Eventually, everything from water distribution to electrical transmission could automatically manage loads and prevent disruptions based on historical information and current usage.
Leverage public-private partnerships (P3s)
Companies can work together, but joining forces with P3s is even more powerful. They expand funding opportunities and access to insider expertise within specific industries.
This partnership also provides corporations with access to permitting and licensing opportunities, enabling them to bring more impactful changes to communities and public spaces. Regulatory oversight is a significant benefit for private operations.
In May 2024, the US had 42 P3-based transportation-related projects with a minimum investment of $100,000. These all closed and illustrated a 24% boost in these efforts compared to seven years prior. They are on the rise due to their high likelihood of success and propensity for innovation.
Making modernity a reality
It is possible to make US infrastructure meet the nation’s wants and needs. Regardless of whether the goal is to establish better climate resilience or expand communications, professionals in their respective sectors can collaborate to forge the society everyone expects.
Despite poor reporting, the country has everything it needs – including a workforce and the technology required – to catapult infrastructure into a new era of productivity, sustainability, and innovation.
