Report on Transformative US Infrastructure Projects in 2025 with Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United States is undergoing a significant transformation in its infrastructure landscape in 2025. Supported by federal investments from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the CHIPS and Science Act, several megaprojects are advancing to enhance mobility, sustainability, and economic resilience. These projects align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).

Top 10 US Infrastructure Projects Driving Sustainable Development

1. California High-Speed Rail: A Game-Changer for Travel

   This ambitious project spans over 800 miles, connecting San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It aims to reduce travel time between Los Angeles and San Francisco from 10 hours to 3 hours, creating 15,000 jobs. Funded by federal and private sources, it focuses on reducing emissions and increasing travel efficiency, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2. Sound Transit 3 (ST3) Expansion: Making Seattle’s Transit Future-Proof

   The $54 billion ST3 project will extend light rail services by 62 miles and add 37 new stations, serving 600,000 daily passengers by 2046. This expansion aims to reduce urban congestion and promote sustainable urban growth, advancing SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

3. Los Angeles Metro 28 by ‘28: Preparing for the 2028 Olympics

   With a budget of $42.9 billion, this initiative will complete 28 major transit projects before the 2028 Olympics, including light rail extensions, highway upgrades, and new bus corridors. It enhances accessibility and reduces traffic congestion, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

4. Texas Central High-Speed Railway: Connecting Dallas and Houston

   This $41.6 billion project will connect Dallas and Houston in 90 minutes using Shinkansen technology. Despite the withdrawal of federal funding in 2025, it remains a potential eco-friendly alternative to driving and air travel, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

5. Hudson Yards: Transforming New York City’s Skyline

   Hudson Yards is a $25 billion private real estate development including residential complexes, office buildings, and public parks built above active rail yards. It contributes over $19 billion annually to the NYC economy and creates thousands of jobs, exemplifying sustainable urban growth aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

6. JFK Airport Expansion: Upgrading for the Future

   The $19 billion JFK Airport expansion focuses on improving passenger experience and increasing capacity through new terminals, expanded runways, and a central transportation hub. This project aims to prepare JFK for future air travel demands, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

7. Hudson Tunnel Project (Gateway): A New Chapter in Rail

   Part of the Gateway Program, this $16.1 billion project will build two new tunnels under the Hudson River and renovate existing ones to ease congestion on a critical rail corridor between New York and New Jersey. It will improve commuter flow and transit efficiency, advancing SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

8. Brightline West High-Speed Rail: Connecting Las Vegas and California

   Brightline West will establish a 218-mile high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Southern California at a cost of $12 billion. Running on dedicated tracks along Interstate 15, it offers a faster and more sustainable alternative to driving, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

9. SunZia Wind and Transmission Project: A Renewable Energy Milestone

   This $11 billion project will generate over 3,500 MW of wind power in New Mexico and transmit it to Arizona. As the largest wind power project in US history, it is expected to deliver $20.5 billion in economic benefits and significantly advance clean energy goals, directly contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

10. Los Angeles Metro D Line Extension: Expanding Public Transit

    With a $9.5 billion investment, the Metro D Line Extension will add seven subway stations from Koreatown to Westwood, improving urban mobility. Funded through local sales tax and state/federal support, it promotes a more connected and sustainable Los Angeles, supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

Conclusion: Building a Sustainable and Resilient Future

The highlighted infrastructure projects demonstrate the United States’ commitment to modernizing transportation, energy, and urban systems in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. Through a combination of public and private investments, these initiatives foster sustainable growth, enhance mobility, and strengthen economic resilience. The focus on high-speed rail, renewable energy, and urban transit expansions will reshape how Americans live, work, and travel, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Referenced through the SunZia Wind and Transmission Project, which focuses on renewable energy generation and clean energy goals.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Highlighted by job creation (e.g., 15,000 jobs from California High-Speed Rail) and economic benefits from infrastructure investments.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Central to the article, with multiple infrastructure projects including high-speed rails, airport expansions, and urban transit improvements.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Addressed through urban transit expansions, mixed-use developments like Hudson Yards, and efforts to reduce congestion and improve accessibility.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Implied through projects aiming to reduce emissions, promote sustainable transport, and increase renewable energy capacity.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (implied by SunZia Wind and Transmission Project’s 3,500 MW wind power generation).
2. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (implied by job creation figures such as 15,000 jobs from California High-Speed Rail).
   • Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person (economic benefits from projects like Hudson Yards contributing $19 billion annually).
3. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Indicator 9.1.2: Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport (implied by expansions in rail and transit systems serving hundreds of thousands of passengers).
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added (implied by focus on reducing emissions and sustainable infrastructure).
4. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport (implied by new stations and transit expansions in Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York).
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities (implied by efforts to reduce urban congestion and emissions).
5. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year (implied by projects aiming to reduce emissions through sustainable transport and renewable energy).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com