During the recent economic downturn experienced in New Zealand as a result of the global recession, the role of transport infrastructure was confirmed as a key route to ensuring the competitiveness of the country in the global markets. This is reflected in New Zealand’s governmental policy of encouraging and facilitating quality transport infrastructure, recognising its importance to the building of a resilient and successful economy. Efficient transport infrastructure allows individuals and families to access employment, enables businesses a cost effective route to market, reduces the environmental impact through efficient design and promotes international trade.

With the rising costs of fuel and other essential resources, leading advisory and design organisations are being charged with the responsibility of designing transport infrastructure that enhances transport efficiency and lowers the overall cost of transport. In order to achieve this, advisory firms are focusing their attention on improving journey times, the long term reliability of transport infrastructure, the easing of congestion, as well as the integration and better utilisation of existing transport infrastructure. Driver and pedestrian safety is another key factor in this design process. However, the use of experienced design companies will become increasingly important in the future in achieving these ends, as one of the largest challenges facing cities and nations throughout the world, is the design and implementation of effective and efficient transport infrastructure.

According to a recent study completed by Nielsen, study participants described that transportation infrastructure is facing the "perfect storm" of issues in the near and long term future. One of the largest barriers faced, according to the experts, is the integration of aging and obsolete infrastructure, as well as a lack of long-term strategic planning. These challenges faced by government at both the national and regional levels result in an increased demand for design and advisory firms who have a long standing history of delivering high quality transport infrastructure results.

Further importance of well designed infrastructure in cities was highlighted by a recent report released by Globe Scan Inc, where a direct correlation was identified between investments in transportation infrastructure which alleviate time and environmental pressures, and the quality of life of the residents. The research went on to emphasise that sustainable infrastructure designs are essential in protecting the environment and addressing the antecedents of global warming. Higher investments in transport infrastructure were identified as a key route to addressing these concerns, both in the long and short term. As multiple pressures are being placed on governmental agencies responsible for transportation, including sustainability, efficiency, trade and quality of life for residents, it has become increasingly important to utilise the design services of professionals who can turn these visions and values into reality.