• By: Jeffrey Barghout
• /
• 4 minute read
• /
• February 2023

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:
A Path to Revitalizing America's Roadway Network

The United States has an extensive network of highways, roads, and bridges, which have served as the backbone of the nation's transportation system. The condition of these critical assets; however, has been deteriorating, leading to increased congestion, safety concerns, and negative economic impacts. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the U.S. Congress recently passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a landmark bipartisan legislation aimed at revitalizing the nation's infrastructure. In this article, we will explore how the IIJA will allocate resources to improve America's roadway network and the potential benefits that these investments could bring.

The IIJA, signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021, is a $1.2 trillion package that includes $550 billion in new federal investments across various infrastructure sectors, including transportation, broadband, water, and energy. Among its provisions, the legislation allocates $110 billion specifically for roads, bridges, and major projects, representing a significant increase in federal funding for these critical assets.

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the U.S. currently faces a $786 billion backlog of road and bridge capital needs, with 43% of public roadways in poor or mediocre condition and more than 46,000 structurally deficient bridges. The IIJA's investments in roads and bridges aim to address these pressing issues by providing funding for repair, replacement, and expansion projects across the country.

One of the key goals of the IIJA is to enhance the safety and efficiency of America's roadway network. The legislation includes $11 billion for highway safety programs, which will support efforts to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries through initiatives such as the Safe Streets and Roads for All program and the Safe Routes to School program.

Additionally, the IIJA provides $12.5 billion for a new Bridge Investment Program, which will focus on repairing and replacing structurally deficient bridges, as well as $16 billion for major projects that are expected to significantly reduce congestion and improve the movement of goods and people. These investments will not only improve safety for drivers and pedestrians but also help to alleviate the economic costs associated with traffic congestion, which is estimated to cost the U.S. economy $166 billion annually.

The IIJA also recognizes the need to invest in sustainable transportation solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition to a clean energy economy. The legislation includes $7.5 billion for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, which will help to accelerate the adoption of EVs and reduce emissions from the transportation sector.

Furthermore, the IIJA provides funding for initiatives aimed at promoting active transportation, such as walking and biking, and improving access to public transit. These investments will not only contribute to a more sustainable transportation system but also help to create more livable, walkable communities across the country.

The investments in America's roadway network under the IIJA are expected to generate significant economic benefits and create millions of jobs. According to a study by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, the IIJA could create or save up to 15 million jobs over the next decade, with many of these jobs in the construction, manufacturing, and transportation sectors.

Moreover, the investments in roads, bridges, and major projects will help to improve the efficiency of the nation's transportation system, which is essential for economic growth and competitiveness. By reducing congestion, enhancing safety, and promoting sustainable transportation solutions, the IIJA will support the movement of goods and people across the country and contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy.

The revitalization of the US transportation network hinges on accurately assessing the physical conditions of roadways. Given the vast expanse of roads in the country, AI-based technologies like Road Triage are essential. This comprehensive system utilizes AI to deliver quarterly data on pavement and lane line conditions, enabling Department of Transportations (DOTs) to prioritize maintenance, capital projects, and identify deterioration trends.

By harnessing accurate and frequent data, DOTs can predict infrastructure failure, leading to improved road conditions, reduced accidents, congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions. Road Triage's cost-effectiveness lies in its low subscription costs coupled with its ability to prevent expensive reconstruction projects. North Carolina's Department of Transportation has dubbed it a "game changer."

With $110 billion allocated for infrastructure, Road Triage's assessments can pinpoint areas requiring repair, replacement, or expansion, ensuring effective resource allocation. This technology will ultimately contribute to job creation, congestion reduction, and overall economic improvement. As the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) unfolds, Road Triage's capabilities will prove invaluable in revitalizing America's roadway network.

The IIJA represents a historic bipartisan effort to address the pressing needs of America's roadway network. By allocating significant resources to repair, replace, and expand roads and bridges, the legislation will not only improve safety and reduce congestion but also support the transition to a more sustainable transportation system. As the nation embarks on this ambitious infrastructure revitalization effort, the IIJA offers a promising path to a more connected, prosperous, and resilient future.

About the author:

Jeffrey Barghout is an accomplished Business Strategist with over 25 years of experience in technology evaluation and strategic planning. As the CEO of Robocist, he is dedicated to developing and accelerating the adoption of emerging transportation technologies, including connected, autonomous, and electric vehicles, as well as utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to quantify the driven environment.

Jeff's extensive background includes serving as an engineer and strategic planner at Chrysler, assessing technologies for NASA, and holding the position of Vice President of Transportation Initiatives at a leading research and consulting firm. He has been a successful serial entrepreneur, launching and growing businesses in various industries.

He participates in numerous advisory groups and serves on the Board of Directors for organizations like E4 Carolinas. With a proven track record of delivering results in both technology and business strategy, Jeff has navigated the complex intersection of technology, market forces, regulation, and stakeholder opinions, perceptions, and needs.