The US House of Representatives has voted 367-55 for an $11bn plan to pay the federal government’s share of road and bridge repair projects through May 2015.

The legislation is expected to pass the Senate and eventually reach US President Barack Obama.

Approval of the bill is set to end a debate whether to raise taxes for long-term infrastructure financing.

If US Congress cannot deliver more funds, low reimbursements will be offered, which will result in delayed projects and job losses during the mid-year construction season.

"Approval of the bill is set to end a debate whether to raise taxes for long-term infrastructure financing."

The highway legislation is expected to be taken up by the Senate before the August break.

The bulk of the funding for the ten-month patch is expected to come from a pension-smoothing tactic, which allows companies to reduce pension contributions for a temporary period.

As companies lose out on tax deductions associated with pension contributions, the tactic is said to bring in revenue for the US Government.

The vote for the new measure reflects members’ intentions in both parties to avoid cuts in transportation spending during the July-August construction season.

Both Democrats and Republicans have criticised the bill for being a short-term fix, claiming it depends on budgetary gimmicks.