The US Department of Transportation (DoT) has announced that 91 projects are to receive a share of $1.5bn in grants, including $23m for the widening of US 641 in Kentucky.

Grants are being offered through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (Build) programme and will support road and rail infrastructure projects across the country.

The DoT received 851 eligible applications from all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and US territories.

“Build transportation grants are major investments in road, rail, transit, and port projects.”

US Transportation secretary Elaine Chao said: “Build transportation grants are major investments in road, rail, transit, and port projects that serve as a down payment on this administration’s commitment to America’s infrastructure.”

The successful projects include Colorado’s V2X technology safety and mobility improvement scheme, which will receive $20m.

Funds will support the development of a commercial-scale connected vehicle environment using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology.

Other successful projects include the State Highway 157 Widening project in Alabama ($14m grant), the I-49 Missouri-Arkansas Connector ($25m), and the Better Market Street Phase I in California ($15m).

Projects were selected based on established criteria including safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental protection, and state of good repair.

The DOT added that the grant announcements will also contribute to the construction or renovation of more than 200 bridges across the US.