The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced that $2.1bn has been awarded to four projects as part of its First Large Bridge Project Grants.

Those chosen to receive the financing are:

• Brent Spence Bridge, Kentucky/Ohio: This crossing of the Ohio River will have $1.4bn to create a companion bridge to separate I-75 and local traffic, and the reconstruct an eight-mile approach road
• Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco: This will have $400m for structural elements to improve earthquake resistance
• Gold Star Memorial Bridge, Connecticut: This will receive $158m for structural repairs, increases to load capacity and the creation of a path for pedestrians and bicycles
• Four Bridges, Chicago: $144m will be spent on improving the four structures that cross the Calumet River.

The funding is part of a $40bn project to repair or rebuild thousands of bridges, including 10 deemed the country’s most economically significant.

The grants were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which was signed into law in November.

Shailen Bhatt, FHWA Administrator, said: “These Large Bridge Project Grants are going to projects that are construction-ready and will have an impact for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists traveling on America’s roadways for decades to come.”

Polly Trottenberg, deputy transportation secretary, said: “These first Large Bridge grants will improve bridges that serve as vital connections for millions of Americans to jobs, education and medical care and help move goods from our farms and factories.”