US President Barack Obama has proposed a $74bn budget for the country’s Department of Transportation for the year 2013, which is up 2% from the 2012 budget.

The funds will be used to invest in the national infrastructure network, building on recent safety achievements, modernising transportation systems through research and innovation.

The proposal is part of a $3.8tn budget proposal released by the White House.

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said: "A strong American economy depends on the roadways, runways, and railways that move people and goods from coast to coast and around the globe.

"President Obama’s plan will enable us to build the American infrastructure we need for tomorrow while putting people back to work today."

It provides $50bn in immediate investment for 2012 to support critical infrastructure projects, improving America’s roads, bridges, transit systems, border crossings, railways and runways.

The 2013 budget earmarks spending $476bn for six years on surface transportation in order to improve US highways and transit networks, boost the safety of these systems, and give commuters new options by enhancing and expanding the services.

Over the six years, $305bn has been set aside to rebuild US roads and bridges, a 34% increase from previous authorisation.

The budget has also earmarked $108bn in funding for affordable, sustainable and efficient transit options, a rise of 105%.

The proposal also includes consolidating 55 highway programmes into five and spending $30bn over the next six years for surface transportation safety programmes, an increase of 137%.

In addition, $330m will be allocated over six years for the Department’s ongoing campaign against distracted driving.

The budget also proposes to strengthen the role of research and technology in transportation decision making by moving the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) into a new Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology.