When you think about infrastructure, you may picture the roads and bridges that help move people and goods around town or the water supply systems that keep the city running. These are just a few of the essential infrastructure projects that help society function, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. Behind every project that involves the construction or improvement of a structure or system is a well-planned process known as infrastructure project management. In this article, we’ll explore what this process entails and discuss some of the best practices that can make it work.
An infrastructure project consists of the physical structures and facilities that are necessary for the functioning of a society, economy, or industry. This includes everything from buildings to transportation networks, energy systems, and communication technologies. It can also include social infrastructure, which helps meet the needs of a community. These needs can be as small as a new sidewalk or as large as a power plant.
Infrastructure projects are typically large-scale, capital-intensive construction projects that involve multiple stakeholders. These include government agencies, private investors, contractors, engineers, and others. Often, they are long-term projects with a high level of uncertainty and complexity. They can be impacted by a variety of factors, including regulatory compliance and environmental concerns.
During the infrastructure planning phase, project managers carry out feasibility studies to identify and define the scope of the project. They also develop cost-benefit models, budgets, and schedules. They also perform engineering design, CAD drafting, and other technical processes to ensure that the project is built correctly.