Search
 

Fixing Our Rotting Infrastructure

The Romans built bridges, temples and viaducts that could still be used thousands of years after construction. In America, our interstate highways built less than 60 years ago are falling apart and city buildings are dilapidated, obsolete and ready to be torn down.

By Ken Brownlee, CPCU | Updated on September 30, 2015

The Romans built bridges, temples and viaducts that could still be used thousands of years after construction. Throughout Europe and China are infrastructures that have withstood fires, wars, wear and tear and are still serving a purpose. While in America, our interstate highways built less than 60 years ago are falling apart. City buildings, built perhaps 100 years ago, are dilapidated, obsolete and ready to be torn down. Our utility pipelines are rotting in the ground while we pay a fortune to maintain them, and insurers pay claims when they explode.

There are two ways to deal with infrastructure. First, build solidly so that it will last forever. We rarely do that. The second is to build it quickly and get it into use, then add to it as demand increases until the whole thing is worn out and blows up, falls apart or becomes an eyesore and is replaced. For public property, that expense is paid through taxes. For individuals, maintenance comes from wallets — providing there is anything in them besides credit cards — and occasionally from insurance when things not maintained burst.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.