New assessments from real world historic examples dating back to 1717 on the North Sea reveal how dikes have been able to resist storms due to the protective value of salt marshes. The marshes sit above sea level and reduce the volume of stormwater entering through breached dikes, researchers say.

The $1.5 trillion Moving Forward Act passed by the House would allocate nearly $500 billion in a five-year surface transportation plan for roads, bridges and railways. The measure, which faces opposition from Senate Republicans, would also invest in public transportation, the rail network and zero-emission vehicles.

The Federal Aviation Administration will distribute $800 million across 46 states and four territories for 383 airport safety and infrastructure projects. The grants cover construction or improvement of runways and taxiways and installation of lighting, signs and fencing.

Widening of US 35 in West Virginia to four lanes is expected to wrap up in July 2021 and bring the road up to expressway standards. Crews are focused on the final 14.6 miles of a 37-mile upgrade that has progressed sporadically during the past 25 years.

Construction spending declined for the third straight month in May as the coronavirus pandemic dragged on, according to the Commerce Department. The 2.1% decline surprised economists who had expected a modest upturn, and they predict further uncertainty in coming months.

Levelset has recognized 20 large contractors that have received positive reviews from subcontractors and that have not had mechanics liens filed against them for at least 10 jobs during the first half of 2020. Prompt payment has been a challenge as the industry faces months of pandemic lockdowns.

With fuel tax revenue expected to fall by $400 million next year due to the coronavirus pandemic, North Carolina lawmakers are moving to slash nearly one-third of the state's $1.5 billion roadbuilding budget. The governor has not signaled his intent to sign the bill, which would also cut funding for transit, airports and railroads.

The Federal Railroad Administration is in the clearance phase of revisions to rules on railway track and brake system safety, sources say. FRA is hoping the changes will help reduce regulatory burdens and bolster freight rail safety.

SpeedCore walls that are at least 18 inches thick and have at least 3/8-inch-thick plates do not need expensive fire protection, according to Purdue University tests endorsed by Seattle's chief engineer-building official. SpeedCore is a modular concrete-filled composite steel plate shear wall core system.

Curb management company Coord is looking to provide more efficient curbside deliveries for companies and businesses and has selected four pilot cities and nine cohort cities for its 2020 Digital Curb Challenge. Nashville, Omaha, Aspen, Colo., and West Palm Beach, Fla., will get customized Smart Zone services from Coord, enabling commercial drivers to use their mobile devices to find, book and pay for time in loading zones.