How to identify Transportation infrastructure projects in North America

Identifying transportation infrastructure projects in North America involves a combination of research methods, data sources, and sometimes even networking.  There are two approaches, one is Citylitics and our Intelligence Feeds platform or here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pinpoint such projects:

• Federal Level: In the U.S., consult the Department of Transportation’s website, which regularly updates and announces major federal infrastructure projects. Similarly, in Canada, visit Transport Canada’s website.
• State/Provincial Level: State DOTs (Department of Transportation) or provincial equivalents often list ongoing and planned projects. Examples include Caltrans in California or the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario.
• Local/Municipal Level: City or county websites will often provide details on local roadwork, transit expansions, bridge repairs, and other smaller-scale projects.

• Local and state/provincial governments typically release multi-year infrastructure or capital improvement plans that outline major projects they intend to undertake.

• Websites like Infrastructure Journal, Engineering News-Record (ENR), or Roads & Bridges often report on major upcoming or ongoing projects.

• Events such as the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting or regional infrastructure conferences can be goldmines for networking and learning about upcoming projects.

• Engage with professionals in the industry. Local chapters of professional organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) can be helpful.

• Some commercial services provide detailed databases and maps of infrastructure projects, including transportation ones. These tools may require a subscription or purchase.

• Large engineering and planning consulting firms often work on major infrastructure projects. Browsing their websites, press releases, or project portfolios can provide insights into ongoing or upcoming projects.

• Local governments often hold public meetings when planning significant infrastructure projects, especially if they impact local communities. Attend these meetings or check their minutes.

• For major projects, especially those requiring environmental clearance, stakeholder consultations and environmental impact assessments are usually undertaken. These documents are often public and can provide detailed information on the project’s scope, timeline, and features.

• Transit agencies, whether they manage buses, trams, subways, or regional rail, often have information on expansions, station upgrades, and other infrastructure projects. Examples include the MTA in New York or TransLink in Vancouver.

Using these methods in a systematic manner will allow you to identify, monitor, and track transportation infrastructure projects across North America or check out a Transportation Intelligence Feed demo