The United States transportation infrastructure may undergo a substantial digital upgrade if a new bipartisan bill progresses successfully through the legislative process. U.S. Senators Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, and Cynthia Lummis, a Republican from Wyoming, introduced the Streamlining Modeling for Advanced, Rapid Transportation (SMART) Infrastructure Act of 2025. The bill is intended to update the planning and permitting process for transportation projects by using advanced digital twin technology and creating a unified electronic permitting system. In a press release, Kelly noted that lengthy reviews “slows down safety improvements, adds to traffic, and hurts local economies.”
Lummis reiterated Kelly’s concerns, stating that the current system is outdated and contributes to delays in infrastructure projects. She said the existing processes slow progress, increase costs, and leave important projects waiting in administrative backlogs. The act is described as an effort to update the permitting system in ways that could shorten project timelines, reduce traffic congestion, and improve road safety.
The Senators’ digital plans have received support from industry groups. According to a press release, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) praised the effort, saying, “effective integration of digital tools and processes in infrastructure project delivery is crucial for improving efficiency, accuracy, collaboration, and sustainability,” according to a representative. The Business Software Alliance also supported the SMART Act, noting that it would help businesses use AI and advanced engineering and construction software. These endorsements show that some industry groups see value in updating how infrastructure projects are planned and carried out.
The legislation focuses on using Digital Twin Technology, speeding up permitting, and creating a pilot program with a National e-NEPA Portal. If it goes as planned, the current complicated systems could be replaced within two years by a single online portal to make reviewing and submitting environmental documents easier.
The SMART Infrastructure Act still needs to go through Congress and the political process before it can become law. For now, the digital updates for U.S. transportation projects are still in the planning stage.
