The Hidden Cost of America’s Crumbling Infrastructure

In this compelling episode of the 21st Century Engineer Podcast, Dr. Dennis Truax (former ASCE President) is joined by civil engineer and infrastructure advocate Ana Tijerina Esquino to break down the 2025 ASCE Infrastructure Report Card. From pothole-ridden roads to outdated water systems, they highlight the hidden costs American families face due to failing infrastructure and the opportunities we have to fix it.Together, they explore how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has begun to shift the national conversation, why transit still lags behind ports in funding, and how better long-term funding strategies (not just flashy new tech) could change the future of American infrastructure. Ana shares insight into the grading process, economic impact studies like “Failure to Act” and “Bridging the Gap,” and why a national C grade while still far from perfect — is the highest the U.S. has ever received.