An infrastructure project refers to large-scale construction projects that provide the fundamental facilities and systems a society needs to function. These projects can range from road building and power plants to telecommunications networks, railway lines, and oil refineries. Nearly all construction projects that help a community function, regardless of size, have some sort of infrastructure component.
When most people think of infrastructure projects, they often picture massive structures such as dams and highways, but there are many more examples of the types of projects that fall under this category. These projects typically involve working with a variety of highly engineered and complex systems and work with a wide range of physical elements, from water pipes to rail tracks. They also have to be planned and implemented over long periods of time.
The types of infrastructure projects that contractors take on vary greatly, but most require a high level of technical skills. These projects are often more capital-intensive than other construction projects, and they have a longer payment review process due to their larger scale. They also must be designed to withstand the environment and the demands of a changing population. This is why they are so often built in urban environments. As such, they can be more challenging to manage than a job that involves construction in an unpopulated area. This article explores how infrastructure projects are managed, the challenges they face, and how professionals can prepare to work on these impactful projects.