A new scheme could see windmills placed along the New Jersey Turnpike to generate power from the wind created by passing traffic.

The novel idea is currently being considered by the state government and would see small wind turbines built into the barrier separating traffic on the famous road.

The power would be collected in cabling and used to power existing equipment or possibly a new monorail.

"I am pretty excited about integrating a subway or light-rail train right where the barrier is," designer Mark Oberholzer told architecture magazine Metropolis.

"I love the idea of siphoning off electricity generated by private transportation to run public transportation."

The scheme would also have the benefit of generating more power at peak commuter times, which roughly coincide with peak power requirements.