The new approach evaluates a road's environmental and social impacts by assigning points for such things as using local or recycled materials, managing runoff and providing wildlife corridors.

For more on this, read "Greenroads lays foundation for more sustainable US road construction" (Guardian, UK)

In a striking change from existing policy, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recommends transit project funding guidelines be based on livability issues.

With all electronic controls housed within them, these magnetic bearings may play an increasingly important role in future industrial systems. Soon, trains that float on air may not be the only famous objects borne by magnetic fields.

A Maryland all-girls school has introduced an engineering class designed to make the male-dominated field more appealing to female students. Class projects include building robots and researching bridge disasters.

If the Senate approves the “Jobs for Main Street” bill in the next two months, Janet Oakley, director of policy and government relations for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), says states’ authority will return to the $42 billion level originally provided in the SAFETEA-LU transportation program through the end of fiscal 2010.