Work funded by the US Federal stimulus has begun on the $26.2m I-279 Fort Duquesne Bridge project in Pennsylvania.

The project is one of the largest in the state to be funded entirely by its $10bn share of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, which includes $1.02bn for highways.

The bridge is an important link for the city of Pittsburgh in the state.

Under the project, 16 bridge and ramp structures will be improved and steel, concrete and the deck will undergo repairs.

The maintenance and preservation of the bridge will also be undertaken by the federal grant.