The US Government has announced that at least 8,050 highway projects across the country have been funded by the Recovery Act money since investment became available in February.

The projects cover nearly $19.5bn out of the total $27bn available for nationwide highway projects under the Act.

Nearly 4,760 of the total projects have already begun construction work.

The announcement was made by President Barack Obama and US Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, at the site of the under-construction Fairfax County Parkway Extension in Virginia.

President Obama said that the projects are strengthening the nation’s infrastructure in ways that will leave lasting benefits in communities, making them stronger, safer, and better places to live.