The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) in the US has planned to invest $2.1bn this year on the transportation network of the state.

The major scope of the projects would include addressing current key infrastructural needs, as well as launching an improved business strategy for maintaining a network of 69,200km of roads and 14,000 bridges across the state.

ODOT aims to deliver over 1,100 new road projects this year, which are designed not only to increase road safety but also to enhance transport experience with improved condition of roads and bridges.

"With greater consistency and collaboration across the state, we are making sound business decisions on behalf of Ohio. Once again, this is for the benefit of our transportation system now and into the future."

Of the 1,100 road projects, 157 projects, worth $256.4m, will focus particularly on increased road safety, while $417.5m will be used for improving conditions of over 1,167 bridges, and $629.3m for 10,437km of pavement.

The US state has planned to invest 10%, which is equivalent to $207.1m, of the total construction budget this year in order to expand existing roads and to reduce traffic congestion.

In 2016, ODOT has designed a construction programme, which includes 27 projects with a combined value of $769m.

ODOT Director Jerry Wray said: "In order to take care of our transportation network, we have to accurately measure it.

"That information helps us determine the right actions to take, at the right time, and in the right places, for everything from replacing a culvert on a two-lane state road to adding lanes to an interstate.

"With greater consistency and collaboration across the state, we are making sound business decisions on behalf of Ohio.

"Once again, this is for the benefit of our transportation system now and into the future."

Since 2011, ODOT has so far invested nearly $12.5bn across 5,934 projects across the state.