The Iowa Transportation Commission in the US has approved the 2011-2015 Iowa transportation improvement programme that supports investments in the state’s primary highway system.

A total of $2.3bn in federal and state funds is estimated to be available for the highway section during the five-year period.

A total of $1.2bn has been allocated for highway preservation and enhanced safety features including interstate and non-interstate pavement and bridge preservation.

Other works include completion of previously identified development projects and further funding for additional development projects.

Iowa Department of Transportation director Nancy Richardson said that federal revenues have been projected at the 2009 level as the new transportation authorisation bill has not been passed yet.