Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) releases a report card on the country’s critical infrastructure. This report highlights the current state of the roads, bridges, power grids, drinking water, and other necessary infrastructure systems that are the “backbone of our economy and lives.”
Unfortunately, despite the importance of these infrastructure systems, America has not fared well in the most recent ASCE report cards. In 2017, the country’s infrastructure received a “D+” grade. That improved slightly in 2021, with the country receiving a “C-“ grade, although that ranking would probably still be below what the average American would want it to be.
Two categories in which the grades were particularly low in 2021 were America’s transportation infrastructure and roads, which received “D-” and “D“ grades, respectively.
Regarding America’s public transit infrastructure, the ASCE notes, “…45 percent of Americans have no access to transit. Meanwhile, much of the existing system is aging, and transit agencies often lack sufficient funds to keep their existing systems in good working order…”
…the success of the IIJA will ultimately be tied to America’s DOTs and their ability to leverage technology to not just repair but reimagine and improve America’s transit systems, roads, and bridges.
The report on America’s roads is equally disappointing. The ASCE explains that “…these vital lifelines are frequently underfunded, and over 40 percent of the system is now in poor or mediocre condition.” The report goes on to blame the poor design and condition of America’s roads for wasting fuel and time for average Americans, traffic fatalities, and the increasing number of pedestrian fatalities.
The responsibility for these roads and transit systems falls on federal and state Departments of Transportation (DOTs). But, as a recent eBook from US CAD and TD SYNNEX Public Sector, “The Future of Transportation,” illustrates, those DOTs are often underfunded, inefficient, and resistant to the change necessary to make a real difference. Thankfully, the eBook also lays out ways that digital transformation and new government initiatives could help lay the foundation for progress in the coming years.
The promise that digital transformation provides
America’s federal and state DOTs have traditionally been slow to adapt to new and advanced technologies. The failure to embrace the digital transformation that has been ubiquitous across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries has led to inefficiencies, outdated systems, and very slow construction times.
This has had real-world consequences that impact everyday Americans. For example, outdated traffic management systems cause congestion, increase emissions, and even result in accidents.
How would digital transformation solve these problems? The eBook provides some excellent examples:
“AI algorithms can analyze traffic patterns in real-time, enabling dynamic route optimization to reduce congestion. IoT devices can monitor the structural health of infrastructure, facilitating proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of catastrophic failures. Cloud computing allows for seamless data integration and analytics, providing DOTs with the insights they need to make informed decisions.”
By embracing these new technologies, America’s DOTs can create the change necessary to turn those barely passing grades from the ASCE into straight “A’s.” Thankfully, government infrastructure initiatives and spending recently received a shot in the arm, which can help fund new infrastructure systems and bring DOTs into the 21st Century.
Why the IIJA is a gamechanger
In November of 2021, President Biden signed the IIJA into action as a once-in-a-lifetime investment in our nation’s infrastructure. The main goals of this bipartisan bill were to rebuild America’s transportation system, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that had been overlooked.
The timing of the IIJA couldn’t be better. According to the White House, one in five highways, and 45,000 bridges are in poor condition. The IIJA is the single largest investment in repairing and reconstructing the nation’s bridges since the construction of the highway system, and will directly impact DOTs across the country.
…despite the importance of these infrastructure systems, America has not fared well in the most recent ASCE report cards. In 2017, the country’s infrastructure received a “D+” grade. That improved slightly in 2021, with the country receiving a “C-“ grade…
According to the eBook, “The economic implications of the IIJA are profound. The act is expected to create millions of jobs, providing a significant boost to the economy. Moreover, improved infrastructure will facilitate commerce, reduce transportation costs, and improve competitiveness.”
However, the success of the IIJA will ultimately be tied to America’s DOTs and their ability to leverage technology to not just repair but reimagine and improve America’s transit systems, roads, and bridges. Technologies—such as today’s advanced digital design solutions—are the key to DOTs designing the sustainable infrastructure of the future.
But, as the eBook explains, to overcome the challenges -including the cultural challenges – that stand in the way, DOTs should look to work with technology vendors and trusted private sector partners that can make the transition easier.
As the eBook states, “By leveraging the financial support of the IIJA and the technological expertise of [trusted industry partners], DOTs have a unique opportunity to address their most pressing challenges and prepare for a more sustainable and efficient future.”
