LILLINGTON — Students are learning about the difficulties of designing bridges first-hand.

Middle and high school students from across the state took part in regional model bridge building competitions on Friday.

Using their math and science skills, students came up with blueprints and then built bridges.

Department of Transportationjudges then put the structures to the test to see how they would hold up.

DOT engineers hope the competition gets students thinking about a career in civil engineering.

"We are trying to pique their interest and get them involved early so maybe they'll go to school and join us in our profession."

Some students say they are not so convinced this is the career path for them.

Winners from regional competitions in Wake, Harnett, Pitt and Burke counties will advance to the state competition in March.