From Delays to Delivery: Aaron Powell’s 2025 Insights on Driving Infrastructure Success with Digital Tools

America’s infrastructure has faced chronic underinvestment for years, earning barely passing grades from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in their Infrastructure Report Card. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) were introduced to change this trajectory by allocating substantial funds for infrastructure renewal and environmental improvements. However, recent uncertainties in funding distribution have heightened the need for state and local governments to optimize resources and improve project efficiency.

Tackling Inefficiencies in Infrastructure Projects

For decades, large public infrastructure projects have struggled with inefficiencies, delays, and budget overruns. Aaron Powell, Director of Professional Services, Infrastructure, at U.S. CAD, An ARKANCE Company, identifies key issues such as:

• Poor project coordination
• Limited collaboration between design and construction teams
• Lack of a centralized data repository for project information

These challenges often result in costly rework, miscommunication, and avoidable project delays. Powell stresses that overcoming these inefficiencies is crucial to ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Digital Transformation as the Key Solution

Digital design tools are emerging as a powerful solution to improve project visibility, enhance collaboration, and boost overall efficiency. Powell highlights several benefits these tools provide:

• Centralized Data Management: A “single source of truth” for project information ensures that all stakeholders access real-time data, improving decision-making and reducing errors.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Digital platforms enable seamless communication between engineers, designers, and construction teams, fostering teamwork and reducing missteps.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Real-time insights allow project managers to identify potential issues early, helping them take proactive steps to avoid costly delays and rework.

Building Sustainable Infrastructure with Digital Tools

Tools like Autodesk’s AEC Collection, Autodesk Civil 3D, and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) are particularly effective in promoting sustainable design practices. Powell highlights that these solutions facilitate early design iteration, clash detection, and alternative material analysis—all of which reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.

By improving earthwork calculations, minimizing heavy equipment use, and guiding material selection, these tools help infrastructure projects achieve eco-friendly outcomes while maintaining efficiency.

Why 2025 is a Tipping Point for Digital Solutions

Powell predicts that 2025 will be a transformative year for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As cloud-based platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud increasingly integrate AI capabilities and real-time collaboration tools, project teams will be empowered to make faster, smarter decisions—a crucial advantage in an environment of uncertain funding.

With financial unpredictability on the rise, embracing digital transformation is no longer optional, it’s essential. For civil engineers, designers, and construction professionals, adopting digital tools is key to ensuring project success, maximizing resources, and meeting the demands of modern infrastructure development.

Resources for Further Reading:

• American Society of Civil Engineers Infrastructure Report Card
• GovDesignHub on Construction Management Software

Learn more about infrastructure digital tools: