The US Department of Transportation is investing $44.5m to widen the high-capacity Grand Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona as part of its 6,000th high-project funded under the American Recovery Reinvestment Act.

Under the widening project, State Route 303 to 99th Avenue, which currently serves about 45,000 vehicles a day, will be extended from four to six lanes.

Intersections and median strips will also be improved and turning lanes built.

The project is aimed at reducing congestion and greenhouse gases in the area.