U.S. needs to catch up on infrastructure

For more than a century, our infrastructure systems have been key to our economic growth, health and safety, serving as a global ideal. These systems have provided clean water, reliable power and a means for rapidly and safely transporting people and goods. Americans once created bridges, tunnels, airports, rail stations and skyscrapers that were among the most ambitious and creative in the world.

But what was once enviable now alarms, especially in the face of new economic and environmental challenges.

Collapse or closure of highway bridges, failure of dams and levees, outbreaks of waterborne diseases, repeated blackouts and increasingly delayed flights indicate that our infrastructure is no longer the global standard.

The deterioration of our infrastructure systems will continue, and may accelerate, if we do not act boldly and swiftly. We now compete against nations, including China and India, that are building infrastructure suited for 21st century needs.

These countries are investing in progressive, sustainable technologies while most of our infrastructure is based on disciplines and techniques developed more than 50 years ago.

The National Academy of Engineering recently named “restoring and improving our urban infrastructure” as one of the “Grand Challenges of Engineering in the 21st Century.”

If America wants to remain a global economic leader, we cannot simply patch crumbling infrastructure or build more of the same. We must invest in research, technology, education and training that creates contemporary, energy-efficient, adaptive and sustainable infrastructure systems.

We possess the knowledge, know-how and ability to make this happen.

Advances in information technology, robotics and materials science are key to this transformation. For example, the deployment of sensors on bridges can illustrate weaknesses before deadly collapses occur, such as the Minneapolis I-35 bridge disaster.

Intelligent transportation systems enable cruise controls that communicate with other cars and sensors on the road to maintain high speeds, plan alternative routes and prevent accidents.

But our vision must extend beyond incremental upgrades.

China recently completed the world’s fastest train using cutting-edge magnetic levitation technology. This train, which floats above the rails, reaches top speeds exceeding 285 miles per hour, cutting in half the travel time of traditional trains. We cannot be spectators and watch such great advancements pass us by. The ability to provide fast, efficient transportation between major urban centers can have significant, positive impact. Imagine traveling from New York City to Washington, D.C., within an hour, or San Francisco to Los Angeles in 75 minutes. It would be culturally and economically transcendent.

Contemporary infrastructure also will create a dynamic new industry that maximizes our brainpower and creativity.

The Huron Group recently determined that university research is a significant driver of high-end economic growth. With continued economic globalization, the only way that American firms can compete with lower-paying nations is through technology and talent, which requires active collaboration with higher education institutions.

Conversely, the United States has seen a significant reduction in research funding focused on infrastructure for several years. Research investments have numerous benefits, including development of approaches and technologies that reduce costs while improving safety and performance; not to mention creating thousands of jobs, from scientists and engineers to construction workers and manufacturers.

The ingredients are in place. Now, we need the commitment, vision and passion to shepherd it forward.

Nearly 50 years ago, a nation led by a visionary president willed itself to put a man on the moon — a goal that seemed unreachable.

It revolutionized American life. Our nation is facing a new crossroad and, once again, we have the opportunity to reshape the foundation of our society as our children and their children will know it.

The time for a rebirth is now.

Reginald DesRoches is associate chairman of civil and environmental engineering at Georgia Tech.