US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has announced the completion of the Manor Expressway (US 290 East), a $426m project that will enhance mobility around Austin, Texas.

The project will increase the capacity on the route by providing three new tolled expressway lanes in each direction, in addition to the three existing non-tolled arterial lanes in each direction. Partially funded by a federal investment of $122.5m, the project is scheduled for completion later this year.

Acting US deputy transportation secretary Victor Mendez said the Manor Expressway is a Texas-sized example of what strategic investment of federal funds can do for a region this large.

"This project underscores the need for US Congress to pass a long-term transportation bill, so we can continue to fund projects that will help communities around the country benefit from similar long-term investments," Mendez said.

Work on the project commenced in 2010 and included an area of more than six miles east of downtown Austin, between US 183 and SH 130.

The first phase of the project opened in December 2012 and included the construction of direct connectors between US 290 and US 183 and 1.5 miles of a new toll road.

Phase two comprises construction of US 290 from Chimney Hill Boulevard to east of SH 130 and is scheduled to open in May.

Speaking about the latest development, deputy federal highway administrator Gregory Nadeau said: "By shortening commute times and creating new opportunities for better jobs, Austin’s quality of life will be improved."

The project will restore mobility to the fast-growing eastern Travis County, make it safer for drivers to travel in the corridor and provide key connections to other important roadways in the region, including US 183 and the SH 130 toll road.