The US sate of Illinois has announced $12.84bn in funds for a six-year highway improvement programme starting in 2011.

Involving multiple projects in Central Illinois, the programme includes six miles of resurfacing on a section of the Interstate 55.

The plan is expected to carry out maintenance of 4,739 miles of highways and rehabilitation of 763 bridges.

About $10bn has been allocated for the betterment of the state highway system and around $3bn for local roads.

The plan also includes building 2.8 miles of additional lanes in Springfield.

The programme has received $7.292bn in federal funds and $4.888bn in state funds.