In a recent major bridge collapse in Baltimore, the question of why U.S. infrastructure is so expensive and time-consuming to deliver has been brought to the forefront. With President Joe Biden expressing his desire to fund the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the project seems to be facing significant obstacles.

Current estimates suggest that the replacement of the bridge could cost anywhere between $300 million and $1.2 billion. However, these numbers fall short of the actual expenses that will be incurred. The original Francis Scott Key Bridge, built in 1977, had a construction cost of $60 million, equivalent to $300 million in today's currency. Unfortunately, the liability insurance held by the shipping company responsible for the bridge collision is limited to around $43 million due to the Limitation of Shipowners' Liability Act (1851).

Chubb, the insurer of the bridge, has coverage of $350 million, which could be used to fund some of the necessary cleanup, exploratory borings, and design work for the replacement bridge. However, this sum, combined with the shipping company's capped liability, will create a shortfall that needs additional funding.

One of the reasons behind the escalating costs of infrastructure projects in the United States is the increasing demand for aesthetically pleasing designs. This desire for visually appealing structures significantly raises the expenses involved. While the primary purpose of a bridge is to facilitate transportation and ensure safety, many projects tend to prioritize secondary interests, leading to delays and increased costs.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has highlighted the perilous state of U.S. infrastructure in their 2021 report card, giving it a C-. They estimate that there is an "infrastructure investment gap" of nearly $2.6 trillion within this decade. Failure to address this gap could result in a loss of $10 trillion in domestic product by 2039.

The increasing costs of construction projects are not solely attributable to rising labor and material prices, which have remained relatively stable over time. The significant factor behind the escalating expenses per mile is the rise of the so-called "citizen voice" within government decision-making processes. The demand for more extravagant designs and amenities has become an integral part of these projects, creating further delays and higher costs.

The replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is likely to encounter similar challenges. The involvement of citizen groups, environmental movements, and organized homeowners as lobbyists will undoubtedly lead to prolonged decision-making processes. Their demands for renderings, 3D models, naming rights, aesthetics approval, and environment-friendly features will further complicate the project's timeline and budget. Additionally, various regulations safeguarding wildlife and the environment will add further complexities.

With the project expected to face bureaucratic hurdles at the local, state, and federal levels, it is clear that the replacement process will be opaque and time-consuming. Adding to the complications are considerations of environmental justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and local hiring requirements. The involvement of an "infrastructure czar" and the quest for federal subsidies for renewable energy initiatives further contribute to the complexity and length of the project.

As the Baltimore Bridge replacement becomes entangled in a web of red tape, meetings, protests, and bureaucratic processes, the engineer tasked with its design will have to navigate through a multitude of demands. Despite the urgent need for a safe and functional bridge to accommodate commerce, the construction process will undoubtedly be marred by delays, ballooning expenses, and disappointments.

It remains to be seen how long it will take to overcome these challenges and deliver a replacement bridge that meets the necessary safety standards without succumbing to excessive costs and delays. As infrastructure gaps continue to grow across the nation, finding efficient and cost-effective solutions becomes increasingly paramount for the overall economic well-being of the United States.