Digitally retrofitting infrastructure in 2025: smarter, greener, more resilient

In 2025, the digital transformation of infrastructure is no longer a futuristic concept – it’s a practical necessity.

Across the UK and globally, engineers are breathing new life into ageing infrastructure by embedding technologies that enhance performance, resilience and sustainability.

This process, known as digital retrofitting, is reshaping how we interact with the built environment.

What does digital retrofitting entail?

Digitally retrofitting involves integrating modern technologies, such as sensors, AI, and digital twins, into existing infrastructure.

Unlike traditional upgrades, these enhancements don’t require tearing down and rebuilding.

Instead, they allow us to monitor, manage, and optimise assets in real time, extending their lifespan while reducing environmental impact.

Progress since 2020

Making infrastructure more resilient has become a top priority as extreme weather related to climate change continues to challenge ageing systems.

At the same time, the journey towards net zero emissions has shown that upgrading existing infrastructure is often more eco-friendly than starting from scratch.

People now also expect smarter, more responsive infrastructure, from transport networks to water systems.

The Covid-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in infrastructure systems and highlighted the value of remote monitoring and digital oversight.

Since then, public and private sectors have significantly increased their investment in digital upgrades, supported by favourable polices and growing demand for modernised infrastructure.

Digital twins

Digital twins are revolutionising the way we manage infrastructure.

Working from the foundations of building information modelling (BIM), digital twins offer a continuously updated digital representation of physical infrastructure.

These dynamic, virtual models mirror real-world assets and integrate live data with advanced simulations. This enables smarter design, operation, and maintenance strategies.

By leveraging data from sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and AI, they provide a real-time view of an asset’s condition and performance.

From bridges and water facilities to entire transport systems, digital twins empower engineers to anticipate problems, fine-tune operations, and plan maintenance with precision. This is known as digital asset management.

Digital twins in the UK

The UK has taken a leading role in this innovation.

Initiatives like the Digital Built Britain (CDBB) and the Digital Twin Hub laid the groundwork for a National Digital Twin – a network of interconnected digital models designed to enhance cross-sector collaboration and decision-making.

In practice, digital twins are already delivering value:

• Remote monitoring offers continuous visibility into infrastructure health, reducing the need for onsite inspections.
• Scenario modelling allows for the testing of responses to extreme weather or other disruptions, boosting resilience.
• Sustainability efforts benefit from improved energy efficiency, less material waste, and extended asset lifespans.

What are the challenges?

Cybersecurity is a growing concern, as more connected systems mean more potential vulnerabilities.

Data interoperability, the ability of different systems and technologies to exchange, interpret, and use data effectively, remains a significant challenge.

This is particularly the case when integrating modern tools with older systems. This lack of compatibility makes it difficult to share and analyse information across platforms.

It’s also essential that the workforce keeps up to date with the rapidly advancing tools and technologies available.

Engineers need to upskill in areas such as AI, data science and digital asset management.

Funding is also a critical issue. While digital retrofitting can deliver long-term savings, the upfront investment can be a barrier – particularly to local authorities managing tight budgets.

Real-world impact

• Network Rail has significantly reduced delays by using AI and sensor data to predict track failures before they occur.
• The Thames Tideway Tunnel project uses digital twins to monitor water flow and structural integrity, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Motorways up and down the UK are becoming smarter, with adaptive lighting, automated incident detection, and dynamic traffic management systems.
• Crossrail (Elizabeth Line, London) incorporated extensive digital retrofitting of existing stations and tunnels. Existing infrastructure was improved by modern signalling systems, real-time monitoring, and digital asset management platforms to ensure a smooth operation across old and new sections.
• Singapore’s Public Utilities Board has retrofitted its water infrastructure with a smart grid system that uses sensors and analytics to detect leaks, monitor water quality, and optimise distribution.
• The ageing New York City Subway has been retrofitted with digital signalling, real-time passenger information systems, and predictive maintenance tools. These updates have improved reliability and reduced delays in one of the world’s busiest transit networks.
• The UK's National Grid system has implemented AI and digital twin technology to manage grid stability and forecast energy demand. These tools are layered onto existing grid infrastructure, enabling smarter, more flexible distribution in line with decarbonisation goals.

Future thinking

Looking ahead to 2030, the future of infrastructure is taking shape as a blend of physical and digital elements – designed to be smart, flexible and environmentally responsible.

New innovations are expected to feature self-monitoring technology, AI-powered planning tools, and stronger integration with national digital systems. This will make services more efficient, responsive and easier to scale across the country.

By retrofitting digital upgrades into our existing structures, we can honour our infrastructure legacy while paving the way for a more intelligent and sustainable tomorrow.