Under construction: The world's biggest infrastructure projects

"Go big or go home" is probably what many of these developers had in mind when they conceptualized the following construction projects. From airports to dams to railway systems to space stations and even “new cities,” these megaprojects have captivated the world, and their completion eagerly anticipated. Below are three of the world’s biggest construction projects, a grand showcase of engineering, architecture, and design feats. 

Image source: businessinsider.com 

California high-speed rail: With an initial budget of $40 billion, the rail system, which spans 1,300 kilometers (808 miles), will link Southern California and San Francisco. High-speed electric trains will transport an estimated 10,000 passengers daily, with travel time from Los Angeles to San Francisco taking only less than three hours at 320km/hr. Although the project is currently facing delays, Californians are still hopeful that the rail system will be operational by 2030. 

Beijing Daxing International Airport: There is no shortage of megaprojects in China. In fact, industry observers note 30 ongoing infrastructure projects that are set to reshape the world. One of these is the Beijing Daxing International Airport. With a proposed budget of $13 billion, the airport will feature seven runways and the world’s biggest terminal, which, when fully operational, can accommodate 72 million travelers annually. 

Dubailand: The $64 billion entertainment complex will rise in Dubai, United Arab of Emirates, which was touted as the most ambitious leisure project when it was first announced in 2013. And just how big this project is? Dubailand will be in a 278 sq.km complex, enormous enough to accommodate three Walt Disney Worlds. Upon its completion in 2025, Dubailand will feature theme parks, sports venues, health facilities, a hotel with 6,500 rooms, and a 10 million sq.ft mall. 

Image source: constructionweekonline.com 

For close to two decades, Lisa Dudzik has overseen large-scale construction projects such as high-capacity subways and stations, roads, and highways. Discover more about construction feats here.