US Investment in Smart Roadways: An Economic Boom

The Growing Strain on U.S. Transportation Infrastructure

The U.S. transportation network is currently grappling with numerous challenges, and these issues are intensifying annually. Increased demand on the nation’s roads directly correlates with escalating concerns regarding safety, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

A Significant Investment, But Is It Enough?

The recently enacted $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represents a substantial commitment to addressing the nation’s infrastructure needs. It’s among the most extensive and far-reaching infrastructure initiatives in decades, promising to initiate thousands of vital projects across all states.

However, relying solely on public funding, particularly when dispersed over a five-year timeframe, proves inadequate to effectively address the evolving requirements of our growing population, urban centers, and the vehicles utilizing our roadways.

Road Repair Needs and Existing Deficiencies

For instance, $100 billion has been allocated for the repair of deteriorating highways, bridges, and roads. Despite this, years of underfunding have left 43% of public roadways in poor or mediocre condition, creating a repair backlog estimated at $435 billion. Even with dedicated public funds, a significant gap remains.

Learning from Past Successes: Public Investment and Private Delivery

Historically, the transportation infrastructure sector has exhibited a degree of risk aversion, constrained by the limited availability of public funds. Nevertheless, historical precedents demonstrate the transformative impact of early technology networks – networks we depend on today – spurred by public investment.

These projects required implementation by local public works agencies and were predominantly delivered and maintained by private entities.

The Evolution of Transportation Networks

Paved roads, introduced just over a century ago, facilitated the rise of the automobile. The interstate highway system, often hailed as the “greatest public works project in history,” was established with the signing of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It serves as a cornerstone of daily travel, commerce, and cultural exchange.

Furthermore, access to computers, tablets, and smartphones wouldn’t be possible without the national power grid, cable, and cellular networks. As our reliance on technology grows, transportation researchers and smart infrastructure providers are increasingly exploring innovative approaches to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Smart Roads: A Solution for the Next Generation

With over 4 million miles of public roadways spanning the United States, smart roads present a readily available solution to modernize infrastructure for future vehicles, communities, and citizens. We often focus on developing new technologies to improve existing ones; transforming roads into networks enables technological advancement.

Data Collection and Economic Opportunities

By converting roads into a data and communications platform, we can provide brick-and-mortar stores with the same level of traffic insight that online retailers currently enjoy. Online retailers leverage automatically collected internet traffic data to understand customer demographics, shopping habits, and market trends.

In contrast, traditional retailers possess limited knowledge of their customer base. The anonymous data gathered from roadways can empower business owners to optimize operations and maintain competitiveness with their online counterparts.

Sustainable Financing Through New Capabilities

Leveraging smart infrastructure services allows roads to generate revenue through new capabilities, similar to the self-supporting models of cell and internet infrastructure. This could lead to sustainably financed, self-funding roads, freeing up city budgets for other community priorities.

Current Infrastructure Initiatives

The infrastructure plan includes $65 billion for broadband access, aiming to improve internet services in rural areas, low-income communities, and tribal lands. Additionally, $7.5 billion is allocated for electric vehicle charging stations to accelerate EV adoption and reduce dependence on oil.

Expanding Road Capabilities

If smart roads were designed with a range of capabilities – including 5G wireless access and wireless EV charging – and built to be software-upgradeable, our road networks could adapt to evolving technologies. The existing presence of roads in rural areas eliminates the need for new cell tower construction.

Integrating wireless EV charging into roadways would negate the need for traditional charging stations, allowing EV owners to charge while driving.

The Path to Self-Funding Infrastructure

Generating revenue from commercial services delivered via these roadways – such as communication services paid for by network operators, EV charging and navigation paid for by vehicle owners, or data services utilized by businesses – can enable smart roads to become self-funding.

Overcoming Challenges to Adoption

A primary obstacle to smart road adoption is the prevailing mindset among public owners that they cannot, or should not, assume risks with public funds. Public funds historically serve as initial risk capital for innovative opportunities.

We must encourage public owners to embrace a more proactive approach and challenge the notion that public agencies should not facilitate economic development through infrastructure investments.

Lessons from the Past

Public investment in infrastructure that fosters substantial economic development is the foundation upon which paved roads and the interstate system were built. This approach has been proven effective and continues to benefit Americans daily.

These are not novel concepts, but rather established methods adapted to meet the emerging needs of modern society.

The Pace of Public Projects

Another significant challenge lies in the protracted timelines associated with public projects. While a public agency may take 18 months to issue a road work permit, entire generations of software and hardware can become obsolete before construction even begins.

The slow pace of public works necessitates a long-term perspective, prioritizing long-range goals over short-term objectives.

Investing in the Future of Transportation

Investing in our nation’s roadways is crucial for fostering economic growth and securing our future. Cities are under increasing pressure to address urbanization, optimize traffic flow, reduce pollution, and enhance safety.

The Role of IoT in Smart Roads

Smart road technology empowers city planners and governments to directly address these challenges. The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming roadways into more intelligent, efficient, and well-managed systems, encompassing traffic management, pedestrian and vehicle safety, and environmental monitoring.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: A Turning Point

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represents a crucial first step in addressing the current state of our nation’s infrastructure. The manner in which these funds are allocated will determine the ultimate impact.

If the investment is used to apply temporary fixes to aging systems, the benefits will be short-lived and ultimately insignificant.

A Vision for Consistent and Meaningful Upgrades

However, if we leverage this investment as a catalyst for innovative infrastructure projects, we can establish a consistent pattern of meaningful upgrades, paving the way for a stronger future and facilitating the seamless integration of emerging technologies.