The Role Of Technology In Transforming The Infrastructure That Moves Us Forward

Forbes

17-07-2025

Ronald Bisio is Senior Vice President, Field Systems, at Trimble.
America's infrastructure—the silent backbone of our daily lives—is undergoing a much-needed transformation. From the roads we drive on to the pipes that deliver our water, these interconnected systems are fundamental to our economy, global competitiveness and quality of life. We take them for granted when they're functioning seamlessly, but any inefficiency or failure is quickly felt by households and businesses.
After decades of underinvestment, this is not the time to let up on the gas. We need to sustain the momentum created by recent federal investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). With technological advances bridging gaps and fueling progress, we should continue to modernize our vital infrastructure.
The Foundation Under Our Feet
Infrastructure encompasses much more than most realize. Beyond highways, streets, mass transit, ports, airports and inland waterways, it includes dams, levees, utility networks and public schools. These public and private networks provide the power, water, waste removal, recreation and education essential for daily life.
The latest Report Card for America's Infrastructure from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is a 'C' overall (up slightly from a 'C-'), indicating recent federal investments from IIJA have led to improvements in several infrastructure sectors. But much work is still needed to meet future demands.
As our existing systems continue to age, demands steadily increase, leading to a substantial investment gap. For instance, 39% of major U.S. roads are in poor or mediocre condition, costing the average driver over $1,400 annually in vehicle operating costs and lost time, according to the infrastructure report card. Bridges also face an uphill battle, with 49.1% in "fair" condition, requiring attention to prevent costlier deterioration. Bridge rehabilitation needs in the U.S. still stand at $191 billion.
Prior to the IIJA, federal infrastructure spending was about 1.5% of GDP, relatively small compared to the United Kingdom (2%), France (2.4%) and Australia (3.5%), according to a 2021 Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program report. At 1.4%, Germany spends slightly less than the U.S. The IIJA, while significant, expires in 2026, leading to uncertainty about sustained funding.
Addressing The Infrastructure Construction Workforce Shortage
A growing workforce shortage in infrastructure construction also holds us back. Many experienced professionals are retiring or moving to the private sector, leaving state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) struggling and forced to do more with less.
The Federal Highway Administration's Every Day Counts (EDC) program helps address this by driving technology adoption in state and local transportation. EDC promotes innovations like e-construction and 3D models to reduce errors and rework, yielding efficiency gains and cost savings. Since EDC's inception in 2009, each state has used 26 or more of its 57 promoted innovations, with many now as mainstream practices.
Paving The Way With Connected Workflows
Infrastructure agencies and partners are increasingly embracing digital technologies and prioritizing data sharing and connected workflows across design, construction, asset management and maintenance departments. The Colorado Department of Transportation used innovative project delivery methods to replace its Region 2 Bridge Bundle project about five months ahead of schedule and $2 million under budget. Here are other examples:
• All-digital workflows use mobile mapping and lidar (light detection and ranging) for rapid and highly accurate data collection, significantly reducing the need for human presence in dangerous areas and enhancing safety. Some state DOTs stipulate that surveyors use mobile lidar in specific contexts for enhanced data collection, project accuracy and safety.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) processes vast amounts of lidar, location and image data for asset inventories and condition assessments. This means quicker, more precise identification of infrastructure needs, allowing for proactive maintenance rather than costly reactive repairs.
• Integrated workflows in machine control systems load 3D design models directly onto construction equipment, enabling high-accuracy operations guided by digital designs.
• Interoperability is also a crucial data advancement, fostering seamless data exchange between different software and systems used by various stakeholders. In fact, the most advanced states go a step further. By standardizing on a vendor and embracing integrated workflows, they are seeing increased cost savings and efficiencies. For instance, a Minnesota DOT project reduced a 600-hour process to 73 hours, an 87% efficiency increase.
Funding programs like the SMART Grants Program and the Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems (ADCMS) Grant Program actively support technological adoption. These grants incentivize DOTs to modernize workflows and embrace digital construction technologies, leading to significant cost savings. Recent permitting reforms are another indicator that the government is digitizing and leveraging technology to streamline and accelerate processes and reduce red tape.
This digital transformation extends beyond roads and bridges. Wastewater utilities use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and advanced metering; the energy sector invests in smart grids and AI for capital allocation, peak identification, load forecasting and automated rerouting; and public parks utilize GIS and digital twin maps for asset management.
Business Leaders: Your Role In Shaping The Future Of Infrastructure
This technological revolution in infrastructure extends beyond government agencies. Leaders across construction, technology, government and related industries are crucial to achieving a world-class infrastructure system. Here's how you can contribute:
• Embrace new methods: Businesses across sectors can benefit from digital delivery, 3D scanning, AI and data analytics, optimizing internal operations and creating demand for advanced solutions.
• Advocate for sustained investment: Emphasize the long-term economic benefits of resilient, technologically advanced infrastructure, highlighting its direct impact on commerce and reduction of costly disruptions.
• Engage on policy: Stay informed and engaged in policymaking at all levels of government to ensure we are getting the most from our tax dollars. Communicate industry needs to representatives, supporting policies that incentivize innovation, promote interoperability and address workforce development in civil engineering and related fields.
By embracing technological innovation and advocating for smart, sustained investments, business and technology leaders can help ensure that America's infrastructure is not just maintained but transformed to support the demands and aspirations of the 21st century and beyond.
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