Transportation trends 2025–2026: Modernizing America’s transportation infrastructure

For more than a century, America’s transportation system has carried people, goods, and ideas across the nation, stitching together communities and regional economies. Today, however, that legacy could be at risk.

Deferred maintenance, growing cyber vulnerabilities, antiquated technology, and more frequent and intense weather events are impacting an aging network of roads, bridges, rail, runways, and transit lines. The American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 Infrastructure Report Card assigned most of the nation’s surface‑transportation and aviation assets grades ranging from “fair” to “poor,” signaling mounting safety and reliability concerns.¹

An upcoming series of major international and national events will further strain the nation’s transportation network. In June 2026, 11 American cities will welcome more than 5 million fans for the FIFA Football World Cup.² Shortly thereafter, nationwide celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will include a variety of public events.³ Two years later, Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics.⁴

Recent infusions of federal and state capital have slowed the decline of our networks, but sustained strategic investment is necessary to preserve the movement of people and goods for the next century.⁵ To help address current challenges, anticipate emerging issues, and seize future opportunities, transportation agencies should be rethinking and redefining their strategic approach.

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