The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released its 2025 Infrastructure Report Card in March. As individuals we use the facilities and systems that make up the nation’s infrastructure every day. Creative Composites Group (CCG) services a large number of infrastructure networks with advanced Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) products. We studied the report and have provided a “top-down view” of some of the challenges ASCE identified and where composites fit as the material of choice. Grades were issued for 18 categories from bridges, broadband and dams to inland waterways, levees, ports, public parks, rail, stormwater, transit and wastewater. Improvements made since the last report card issued in 2021 raised the nation’s overall grade from a C- to a C. Despite the uptick in the country’s GPA, the report underscores the ongoing need for modernization and replacement of aging structures with resilient designs and innovative solutions. FRP composite products are taking center stage with their capacity to solve budget, performance and maintenance problems.
Trends
The 2025 grades range from a B in ports to a D in stormwater and transit. Energy and rail were downgraded due to industry worries about capacity, safety and future needs. Broadband was introduced as a graded category for the first time this year. During the course of assessment, ASCE noted several trends. Aging infrastructure systems are more vulnerable to natural disasters and extreme weather events. Demands on infrastructure systems continue to ramp-up; making sustained investment at higher levels crucial. Lack of reliable data on performance indicators for market segments such as broadband, energy, stormwater and public parks is hampering efficient management practices.
As a supplier to a broad range of infrastructure sectors, CCG is helping contractors, state-level Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies and other customers match the right FRP product with the right application. Let’s take a closer look.
Bridges—Grade C
There are more than 623,000 bridges throughout the U.S. Of those structures, 41.1 percent ar in good condition, 49.1 percent are in fair condition and 6.8 percent are in poor condition. The number of bridges classified as “fair” continues to surpass those that are in good condition. Despite the infusion of funds through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), $27.5 billion for the Bridge Formula Program and $12.5 billion for the Bridge Investment Program, rehabilitation needs stand at $191 billion.
For more than two decades CCG’s FRP composite pedestrian bridges and bridge decking have been adopted for replacement and rehabilitation projects. FRP has also become the material of choice for restoration projects involving historical structures. Prefabricated for quick and easy installation, FRP can be tailored to handle almost any load. Eighty percent lighter than a reinforced-concrete structure, FRP is corrosion-resistant and maintenance-free giving it a working life of more than 75 years when compared with conventional materials like wood and concrete.
Broadband—Grade C+
In today’s information age, a fast, reliable internet connection is essential to work, society and commerce. The amount of public spending on broadband has been difficult to track compared to the private sector’s investment of approximately $2.2 trillion since 1996. Despite the recent infusion of $65 billion through IIJA, broadband access and adoption remains problematic. Ten percent of households do not have a broadband subscription. Extreme weather continues to threaten internet reliability. New technologies are contributing to a volatile, rapidly changing market environment. To achieve universal broadband, a variety of hardware and services are needed, including fiber infrastructure, towers, cables and wireless connections, along with access points, routers, switches, hubs and wiring.
CCG has the flexibility and depth to value-engineer the most economic, efficient composite solution for a customer’s requirements even if it is something that hasn’t been done before. FRP electrical products feature exceptional strength, durability and reliability in corrosive, harsh environments and can outperform metallic alternatives.
Dams—Grade D+
There are more than 92,000 dams in the U.S. that generate electricity, supply drinking water and safeguard communities and critical infrastructure. Nearly 17,000 of these dams have the potential to fail. The average age of the nation’s dams is over 60 years with seven of 10 dams across the country expected to reach 50 years in 2025. Funds through IIJA, federal dam safety programs and other congressional actions have contributed to overall dam safety and rehabilitation. But a more significant commitment through increased annual investment in inspection, monitoring, planning and repairs is needed.
CCG’s corrosion-resistant FRP wicket gates, bulkheads and stop logs and lock and sector gates are being used to replace the movable steel constructed components of locks and dams. In addition to high strength and light weight, these low maintenance, cost-effective FRP products are a durable alternative for harsh environments.
Energy—Grade D+
According to ASCE, energy demand is experiencing its highest growth in two decades. The industry’s rapid acceleration is being fueled by federal and state net zero greenhouse gas emissions goals. That means utilities will need to double existing transmission capacity to connect new renewable generation sources. Weather accounts for 80 percent of electricity outages. IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are supporting renewable technologies and grid hardening measures. Interregional connections, streamlined regulatory review, rigorous design standards and resilient technologies are needed to ensure reliability in the years ahead.
CCG designs and manufactures a broad line of FRP utility products including transmission and distribution poles, crossarms, light poles, smart poles, small cell 5G poles and telecom poles for a range of applications. Resilient and easy to maintain, these products are safe, lightweight, quick to install and cost-effective.
Inland Waterways—C-
The U.S. inland waterways are comprised of 12,000 miles of commercially navigable channels, 192 lock sites and 237 lock chambers. The system includes the Mississippi River, Ohio River, Tennessee River and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. It is the backbone of the nation’s industrial and agricultural freight network which moves $158 billion of goods annually. The system is operated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Maritime Administration (MARAD). While federal funding has increased, a backlog remains with $7.5 billion in construction projects and ongoing lock closures.
CCG’s FRP composite products for waterfront infrastructure projects has emerged as the industry’s preferred choice over concrete, steel and wood. FRP won’t rot, corrode or decay. It is strong, lightweight, low maintenance and cost efficient. Its superior energy absorption properties are used to protect critical infrastructure in the waterways.
Levees—Grade D+
Nearly 23 million Americans live and work behind the nation’s levees. The National Levee Database contains over 24,000 miles of levees across the U.S. but nearly two-thirds have not been assessed for risks posed to the communities behind them. More than half of the nation’s levees are operated and maintained at the state and local level. A national effort to enhance levee safety continues to take shape but more must be done to support states in regulating levees. There are currently limited funding streams for levees and levee safety. States are also responsible for promoting consistent yet flexible best practices for levee operation and management.
CCG FRP wicket gates are being adopted by the Army Corps of Engineers to help manage water flow. The FRP product offers significant cost savings over the life of the product, is designed to fit with existing interfaces and is lightweight for easy installation and operation.
Ports—Grade B
Supporting $2.89 trillion in GDP ports connect American manufacturers and households with international trade. U.S. ports support more than 21.8 million jobs, including maritime industry professionals and suppliers. Annual funding for programs like the Port Infrastructure Development Program nearly doubled to $450 million per fiscal year allowing U.S. ports to better evaluate, balance and address their waterside and landside needs. Extreme weather events continue to present port infrastructure with unique challenges, especially coastal facilities susceptible to sea level rise.
CCG’s FRP products provide the framework for building fiberglass piers, ports, harbors and marinas. Corrosion resistant, these durable, high strength structures offer long-term cost savings.
Public Parks—Grade C-
Park systems have received significant investment from the federal government but deferred maintenance continues to escalate. Labor shortages coupled with record visitation numbers provide additional challenges. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), IIJA and the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) are prioritizing investments in public lands to help expand access, update aging systems and grow park inventory. Technology advances have improved asset management and helped park authorities to better evaluate overall life-cycle estimates for park assets.
CCG’s FRP modular pedestrian bridge systems provide access and connectivity over streams, railroads or gulches for pedestrians, bicycles, horses and golf carts. Easily assembled and installed without the need for heavy machinery, CCG’s FRP bridges are environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant and aesthetically pleasing.
Rail—Grade B-
The U.S. rail network is made up of 140,000 miles of track and serves freight and passenger services. Freight trains move 1.5 billion tons of goods annually. Ridership numbers show fast growth with passenger services increasing in frequency, speed and scope. IIJA authorized $66 billion for rail projects from 2022 to 2026 for needed improvements as well as expansion and Amtrak corridor development. The U.S. Department of Transportation is implementing programs to improve the rail network which call for a balance between modern advances, precision schedules and adequate staffing.
CCG’s FRP composite rail platforms are designed to be zero-maintenance structures. The lightweight panels can be installed quickly without disrupting train schedules. The corrosion-resistant platforms offer a variety of features from crown or cross-slope surfaces, non-slip polymer overlay and warning tactiles to curbs and drain scuppers. Double tee panels are customizable and easy to install.
Stormwater—Grade D
Stormwater utilities manage the infrastructure that conveys rain or snowmelt from communities to nearby bodies of water. Over the last decade, the length of impaired rivers and streams has increased from approximately 424,000 miles in 2010 to more than 703,000 miles in 2022. Stormwater utilities [over 60 percent] say that aging infrastructure is a significant concern for long-term needs. IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act designated $46 million in new funding for the stormwater, wastewater and drinking water sectors between 2022 and 2026. Despite that there remains a significant gap.
AquaSpan FRP baffle wall systems composed of pre-engineered fiberglass panels, angles and framing members, control water flow, increase residence time to allow particulates to settle out before water is discharged. Corrosion-resistant, these high-strength products are 10 times lighter than concrete and provide life cycle cost savings due to low maintenance.
Transit—Grade D
Public transportation includes trains, urban rail transit and mass transit which covers buses, subways, light rail and commuter trains. IIJA provided transit with $108 billion to address deferred maintenance and break ground on capital projects. Despite the investment, years of deferred maintenance left a funding gap of $152 billion. While states and localities work to expand access, rising costs, a lack of support for operations and the impact of work-from-home jobs create challenges. Greater transit access, reliable service and increased ridership will depend on sustainable funding and communities incorporating transit into multimodal transportation plans.
CCG’s FRP prefabricated platforms are becoming the material of choice for transit infrastructure due to light weight, fast installation, corrosion resistance, low maintenance and long life.
Wastewater—Grade D+
The nation’s sewers are valued at more than $1 trillion and include nearly 17,500 wastewater treatment plants that operate to protect public health. Despite aging systems, the wastewater sector is being tasked to produce increasingly advanced treatment outcomes. Over the last decade, the renewal and replacement rate for large capital projects decreased from 3 percent to 2 percent while the average number of collection system failures for combined water utilities increased from 2 to 3.3 per 100 miles of pipe. In 2024, the wastewater and stormwater annual capital needs were $99 billion with a funding gap of $69 billion. With only 30 percent of the sector’s infrastructure capital needs being met, the gap could grow to more than $690 billion by 2044.
CCG’s Enduro® water and wastewater products leverage 40 years of experience in the design and manufacture of custom FRP composite water and wastewater products that can withstand challenging environmental conditions and enhance treatment plant performance. Resistant to corrosion, chemicals and UV rays, the products are easy to assemble and install.
Got an infrastructure problem you can’t solve? We’d love to talk with you about it.
