In 2009, governments around the world reacted to the recession with major stimulus packages designed to speed up construction on infrastructure projects, with a focus on major investments in high-speed rail and clean energy.

In 2010, the economy will remain weak and deficits will mount as a result of diminishing tax returns. In turn, there is likely to be less political support for spending on new multi-billion dollar capital programs -- despite the huge upkeep and capacity needs present, especially in the United States, where maintenance has fallen years behind on transportation and energy systems.

Nonetheless, if 2010 is to be a year of cutbacks, it could also be one in which we reaffirm the value of our built environment by taking better advantage of existing infrastructure. Fortunately, thanks to new information technologies, we're well on the way, and this year could be defining in changing the typical person's relationship to their surroundings.

Advantages of intelligence infrastructure

This new intelligent infrastructure is made possible by two advances: first, in increased consumer access to information, and second, in better use of that information by providers.

The expansion in the use of consumer electronics that take advantage of interactive Web 2.0 technologies is becoming rapidly apparent -- by the end of 2009, smart devices like iPhones and Blackberrys had taken 17% of the U.S. cellular phone market, and their influence is only growing. These small computers offer people access to the internet from anywhere and allow people to do far more than just communicate with their friends.

Indeed, new applications that rely on open information sharing by public and private organizations allow individuals to make better decisions -- at any instant, from any place. The advantages are obvious: instead of waiting around for a bus, not knowing when it will show up, transit riders are now able to spend a few more minutes at breakfast -- with no fear of missing their rides. Similarly, automobile commuters have immediate access to traffic conditions, and readily-available software that suggests route alternatives as congestion ebbs in and out.

The end result? Better use of existing capacity and more informed decision-making for everyone. With more smart appliances and increased public acceptance of new technologies, these benefits will only accrue.

The same can be said for the expanded use of information by infrastructure providers. The installation of smart meters, for instance, will give electricity and gas utilities an improved sense of how their networks are being used. Hence, they'll be able to find more effective tools to solve problems related to how goods are distributed.

2010, then, may not be a year of big projects, but it will be one in which governments, corporations, and individuals become more aware of the infrastructure around them through better access to and distribution of information. These new tools will improve consumer service and capacity use -- at a minimal cost.

Yonah Freemark is a freelance writer on urban issues. He writes on transportation at The Transport Politic.