US infrastructure funds could build self-monitoring cities

Smart pavements, disease-detecting sewer sensors and pothole-spotting garbage trucks are part of the vision for a massive infrastructure upgrade across the US, outlined in a new report from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School.

As lawmakers continue to debate major infrastructure packages, Professor Stephen Goldsmith and co-authors Betsy Gardner and Jill Jamieson join calls for investments to go beyond simply repairing and replacing roads, bridges and water systems.

The Toward a Smarter Future: Building Back Better with Intelligent Civil Infrastructure report says there is a need for a: “Strategic, smart infrastructure plan that integrates digital technology, sensors, and data” to not only address crumbling infrastructure but also to help mitigate future risks and improve equity.

While these technologies have been piloted or adopted at some level in many cities, the new funding could offer the opportunity to roll them out systematically and at scale.

Sensors everywhere

Sensors in pavements, bridges, vehicles, and sewer systems can target where problems exist, allowing governments to allocate funding where it is needed most, the report says, noting that decades of deferred maintenance have left many structures in “perilous conditions”.

From there, these sensors and other technologies could alert leaders to changes or issues before they pose a danger, well ahead of human inspections.

The authors state: “The many infrastructure emergencies in the US cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars each year, so identifying and fixing these issues is a pressing security issue.

“Further, as the changing climate leads to more extreme weather and natural disasters, the safety and resiliency of the country’s infrastructure is an immediate concern. Sensor systems and other intelligent infrastructure technology can identify and mitigate these problems, saving money and lives.”

Examples in the report include monitoring sewer water for COVID-19 and other pathogens, installing sensors along dangerous interstates to automatically lower speed limits and reduce accidents, and using rubbish trucks as ‘roving sensor platforms’ to find potholes and other issues.

Equity

Addressing inequities is also a major reason to use intelligent infrastructure, according to the authors.

“Research shows that people of colour in the US are exposed to more pollutants, toxic chemicals, and physical danger through excess car emissions, ageing water pipes, and poor road conditions,” they say. “The implementation and funding of these intelligent infrastructure projects must consider where – and to whom – harm has traditionally been done and how building back better can measurably improve the quality of life in marginalised and vulnerable communities.”

The report acknowledges that there are challenges to implementing a “sweeping intelligent infrastructure plan”, including upfront costs, and concerns about power resources and cybersecurity, but says all levels of government play a role in achieving a safer society.

At the federal level, this could include grants, incentives, and authorised funding for intelligent infrastructure. At the state level, budgeting with intelligent infrastructure in mind will encourage innovative approaches, the report says.

It urges cities to invest in comprehensive asset management systems and training for workers to make the best use of infrastructure data.

As sensors proliferate, experts have also noted the need do more to build trust with residents.

Infrastructure funding

Last month, over a dozen organisations established the cross-sector Coalition for Urban Innovation, to push for greater federal support for the adoption of emerging and advanced technologies in cities. The founding members include Sidewalk Labs, Smart Cities Council, Accelerator for America and Via Transportation.

The calls to make data and sensors a core part of the national infrastructure strategy come as key bills advance in the US. Earlier this month the US Senate passed the US$1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and it now awaits action in the House of Representatives. It includes US$110 billion for roads and bridges, US$73 billion for modernising the nation’s electric grid and increasing the use of renewable energy, US$65 billion to expand broadband access, US$50 billion for resilience, and US$39 billion for public transit.

The Senate also passed a US$3.5 trillion budget resolution, a step towards new spending on education, healthcare, climate and other provisions.