A wide range of construction projects fall under the umbrella term infrastructure project, from laying new roads to adding water pipes to an existing system. Oftentimes, these large-scale facilities are meant to provide the basic services that help a society function.
However, the way that infrastructure is built and operated has changed significantly. Rather than linear and centralized, new infrastructure is more fluid in nature and can integrate disruptive technologies. It also seeks to limit life cycle emissions and incorporate energy-efficient systems and circular economy practices.
These trends are changing the definition of infrastructure, expanding its horizons to include new assets such as EV charging stations and hyperscale data centers as well as services that support critical economic functions. Many of these modern forms of infrastructure still share the characteristics of traditional infrastructure, such as long lifespans, significant initial investments, and a supporting layer of maintenance services to ensure that they are always operating at optimal efficiency.
The way that contracting firms work on these infrastructure projects has also shifted. While the need to meet government deadlines, budgets, and service delivery requirements remain important, these firms now offer a wider array of innovative solutions, including:
Effective PPP contracting and procurement arrangements, which incentivize innovation and prevent agency problems from derailing projects, are vital for success. In particular, the ability to manage a community’s expectations throughout the work, especially if roads must be closed or other infrastructure is temporarily unavailable, will likely have a direct impact on how quickly and effectively the project is completed.