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modernization, it is very often the case that they are built anew in their old
shape, often at a cost significantly exceeding the expense of building a completely
modern structure, like the modernization of the Golden Gate Bridge. At
the very least, they are kept as tourist attractions with a new structure frequently
built next to them, e.g., the Strepy-Thieu boat-lift – the tallest structure
of this kind in the world, which replaced four old ones, or the Niederfinow
boat-lift located next to the original one. (see Fig. 31).
6.5. Time in the process of infrastructure development
The element of time in infrastructure development should be understood as:
– completion date;
– project time;
– project co-ordination.
Because of its special nature (technical and economic indivisibility), long life
and various correlations throughout its development, infrastructure takes a long
time to develop. This includes long designing period (the necessity to account
for all the correlations) and long construction time, often divided into stages for
reasons of financial constraints.
The fast pace of modern life, as well as technical, technological, organizational
and economic possibilities of using alternative solutions impose much
stricter time discipline in infrastructure development.
Remote completion dates, which as experience shows are not kept, facilitate
the search for alternative solutions which may permanently alter the nature of
infrastructure construction. Therefore, close and constant monitoring of the
situation is essential.
This results in strong emphasis on project time in modern large-scale infrastructural
projects, e.g.:
– the Akashi Bridge, the completion of which was delayed by a month only,
despite an earthquake during construction and the necessary redesign
work;
– the Millau Viaduct was completed a month ahead of completion date.
However, despite all efforts, final completion dates are not always kept as
large infrastructural projects are usually unique and unexpected technical difficulties
commonly appear, resulting in economic problems leading to delays.
Coordination of infrastructural projects is also very important, since lack of
proper access roads; support facilities etc. may seriously lower the efficiency of
investment projects.
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