The 2025 Infrastructure Report Card by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) evaluates the state of America’s infrastructure across 18 categories, assigning grades from A to F based on criteria such as capacity, condition, funding, future needs, operation and maintenance, public safety, resilience, and innovation. This quadrennial report highlights progress made since the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021 while identifying ongoing challenges and investment gaps.

Key Findings

1. Overall Grade Improvement: The national grade for infrastructure improved from C- in 2021 to C in 2025. Nearly half of the assessed categories saw grade increases, with ports receiving the highest grade (B) and stormwater and transit rated lowest (D). For the first time since 1998, no category received a D- grade.
2. Positive Impact of Federal Investments: The IIJA has significantly influenced improvements in transportation, water systems, energy networks, and waste management. However, sustained investment is necessary to maintain momentum and address aging infrastructure systems.
3. Introduction of Broadband as a Category: Broadband was added as a graded category for the first time in 2025, receiving a grade of C+. Its inclusion reflects its growing importance in modern infrastructure.
4. Persistent Challenges: Despite progress, nine categories remain within the D range. Aging infrastructure continues to be vulnerable to extreme weather events and natural disasters, emphasizing the need for resilience-focused investments. Additionally, unreliable data on performance indicators hampers proactive decision-making in sectors like schools, broadband, energy, levees, stormwater, and public parks.

Infrastructure Grades

Investment Needs

To bring all infrastructure categories to a state of good repair (grade B), ASCE estimates $9.1 trillion in investment is required over the next decade (2024–2033). Current funding levels are projected to provide $5.4 trillion during this period, leaving a $3.7 trillion gap. Specific gaps include:

• Drinking Water: $309 billion
• Bridges: $373 billion
• Energy: $578 billion
• Levees: $91 billion
• Dams: $166 billion

If federal funding reverts to pre-IIJA levels, this gap could increase significantly.

Economic Implications

Sustained investment at current levels would save American families $700 annually by reducing inefficiencies and maintenance costs. Conversely, underinvestment would result in significant economic losses:

• $5 trillion in lost gross economic output over 20 years (2024–2043)
• $244 billion reduction in U.S. exports
• Job losses totaling 344,000 by 2033
• $1.9 trillion in lost disposable income for families.

Recommendations

The report emphasizes several strategies for improving infrastructure:

1. Resilience Planning: Prioritize designs that withstand extreme weather events and natural disasters to reduce long-term costs.
2. Sustained Investment: Maintain or increase current funding levels to ensure certainty for long-term planning.
3. Enhanced Data Collection: Implement standardized data collection practices across all sectors to improve asset management and decision-making.
4. Innovation Incentives: Encourage innovative technologies and materials to improve efficiency and sustainability.

New Jersey

New Jersey’s infrastructure faces considerable challenges and requires significant investment, especially in transportation. The state’s roads are costly for drivers, with each motorist spending an average of $430 annually due to needed repairs. Furthermore, 7.8% of the state’s bridges are classified as structurally deficient.

Beyond transportation, New Jersey’s drinking water infrastructure needs are estimated at $8.6 billion. There are also 229 dams identified as having high-hazard potential. In education, the state’s schools have a capital expenditure shortfall of $1.58 billion.

The report highlights that this deteriorating infrastructure impacts New Jersey’s economic competitiveness and underscores the need for sustained investment and leadership from all government levels to address these issues.

Conclusion

The 2025 Infrastructure Report Card demonstrates encouraging progress due to recent federal investments but underscores the need for sustained funding and strategic planning to address persistent challenges. By closing investment gaps and prioritizing resilience and innovation, America can unlock its infrastructure’s full potential while safeguarding public health, safety, and economic growth for future generations.

Read the 2025 ASCE Infrastructure Report Card:

Read the 2025 ASCE New Jersey Infrastructure Report Card:

All graphics taken from the above sources